《The Devil Who Breaks My Neck》


 Prologue

    The weather was quite cold. Lake Aunu, which was right in front of the Serpence Castle, froze due to the wind that crossed it. The half broken branches of the trees, unable to overcome the cold, finally came off completely.


    Luckily, it did not snow. Herace clutched her satin cloak, lined with thick fur.


    The capital began to warm up around this time, but on the contrary, the harsh weather in the north had been hard to adapt to for over two years.


    ¡°Madam, your ears are red. Why don¡¯t you go in and come back out later? If you stand by the window, you can still see whether the Master returned or not.¡±


    Her ears, visible through her fine black hair, turned bright red in the cold.


    Anna, who was observing Herace, rolled her toes, not knowing that her ears were frozen too.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. It is still tolerable.¡± Herace shook her head slightly as she said she was fine, but Anna¡¯s face was still full of concern. Her mistress was not in good health. However, there was a formidable stubbornness as Herace pursed her lips.


    In the end, Anna replaced her worries and concerns by tightening her master¡¯s cloak even more tighter.


    ¡°¡­I heard that he was injured. It¡¯s cold today, too. Won¡¯t it be hard for him to come?¡±


    ¡°He said that he had healed, so he¡¯ll be alright. And this kind of weather is nothing in the north. I think it¡¯s rather good.¡±


    ¡°Still¡­ Ah!¡±


    ¡°Miss!¡±


    A rough wind swept past Herace. As her slender body stumbled, Anna, who was startled, supported her boss, calling her by her old title.


    Thanks to Anna¡¯s quick response, she did not fall.


    ¡°That¡¯s why I told you to go in¡­¡±


    She couldn¡¯t stop worrying about her. Herace was a woman who did not care about herself. One could tell that just by looking at her.


    Look at her now.


    Despite the thick cloak, she still looked smaller than Anna.


    But apart from her delicate appearance, Herace was a beauty worthy of her name ¨C ¡®Herace¡¯, standing for dazzling beauty. Her pale skin perfectly contrasted the color of her raven black hair, resembling a painting. Her big blue eyes were as deep as the waters of Lake Aunu.


    Because of her appearance, Herace was the envy of all the women back in the capital. When she opened her rose-red lips, dozens of men were entranced by her.


    ¡®¡­Though that¡¯s all things of the past.¡¯


    Anna, who was reminiscing the old glory of her boss in her mind, sighed a little.


    Those times had not passed. Her boss was and is still beautiful, but the men no longer admired her when they saw her.


    The reason was obvious.


    The present Herace was a wife now and is tied to her husband¡­


    ¡®Poor girl.¡¯


    She was nothing more than the daughter of a criminal executed for treason.


    ***


    Three years ago, a wild bloodbath broke in Anais, the empire. It started when someone reported the rebellion of the emperor¡¯s half-brother, Marquis Peggart. The emperor did not take this matter lightly. Despite having a mother from the government, Marquis Peggart showed his teeth to the emperor again and again. He was the eldest son of the old Emperor. So there was no reason for the emperor to hesitate. The emperor brought the evil half-brother down straight away as criminals.


    Beginning with Marquis Peggart, the leader of the rebellion, criminals were dragged out endlessly from all over the country. More than one would think. Many people took part in the rebellion and gave a great shock.


    The most surprising thing was that even the emperor¡¯s younger sister, Empress Ulysse, was involved in this. The emperor was hesitant to punish his sister, but even she was punished with tears of blood when evidence was found. She survived the punishment and was spared her life, but was stripped off from her position and taken to the tower as a criminal. Perhaps she would never be able to leave the tower. Not in this lifetime.


    In the bloody atmosphere, no one could easily open their mouths. Marquis Devone, Herace¡¯s father and the famous landlord of Devone was also caught. He was fairly involved in the rebellion. Since treason was a crime, the family name Devone disappeared from all the books. Their family¡¯s name was scattered to dust.


    Devone¡¯s family was also not safe. The wife of the Marquis had already escaped the damage because she was dead. But Herace¡¯s brothers were tortured to the point of their death and then banished from the country. Other collateral families also suffered hardships, such as being expelled or deprived of their titles, and even tortured to death.


    Among those with the survivors of Devone, Herace was the only one who was not punished.


    What did she think when Devone was destroyed for the first time and she herself was also captured?


    The men, who had been interested in her for a long time, whether Devone¡¯s famous Herace would be expelled or the emperor would enslave her with favor, withdrew their heads in anticipation of the latter. However, Herace was physically intact and was not punished.


    Then, she broke all expectations and got married.


    To Duke Serpence.


    ¡®Why did he become the new Duke¡­¡¯


    ¡®I¡¯ve heard that there was an exchange before, but it¡¯s really disappointing. Her younger brother¡¯s fiancee¡­¡¯


    It was by far Duke Serpence, who brought the most rumors in this rebellion.


    Of course, because Empress Ulysse was Duchess Serpence. Investigations had revealed that Duke Serpence, who had long been in bed due to his illness, had nothing to do with treason. The sins of Duchess Hanna Ulysse¡¯s crime was so obvious that her son Charles Serpence was deprived of his position as heir. It was an indirect crime to help his mother.


    The emperor gave the position of the Duke to Serpence¡¯s illegitimate son. What kind of illegitimate child could be the Duke? He protested, but had to shut up.


    ¡®Sir Ezekiel was the biggest contributor to this.¡¯


    The informant and the butcher of the treason, Imperial Knight Ezekiel, was revealed to be the illegitimate son of the Duke. As both an informant and the sword of the emperor, he took the lead in beheading the traitors. The number of people beheaded by him was so great that people called him a butcher behind his back.


    ¡®They will make Ezekiel, son of the Duke, inherit the throne.¡¯


    Duke Serpence died shortly before the rebellion was suppressed. His illegitimate child, Ezekiel, became Duke Serpence as soon as he died. It was as if he had waited for the Emperor to ask what he wanted to hear.


    ¡®Herace, from the wiped out Devone family. I would like her to be my wife. Other than that, what you have given me is enough, Your Majesty.¡¯


    People murmured when they heard the name ¡®Herace¡¯ from Ezekael¡¯s mouth. It wasn¡¯t just because she was a beauty that could tempt any man. Herace was Ezekiel¡¯s half brother, Charles¡¯ fianc¨¦e, who was stripped of his successor position because of his mother¡¯s crimes.


    Rebellion had made it a foregone conclusion that the engagement between Herace and Charles was broken due to treason. However, it was enough to not ask for the woman who was his brother¡¯s fiancee.


    Besides, Charles and Herace¡¯s engagement was just an agreement. Empress Ulysse had been close to the Marquis since childhood. Therefore, the engagement between Herace and Charles was an early decision.


    Even the emperor, who declared that he would comply with Ezekiel¡¯s request with the exception of the throne, expressed a slightly perplexed look.


    ¡®Duke, how about wanting something else? She is a sinner¡¯s daughter. She is beautiful, but she is too low for you to have.¡¯


    In fact, the emperor intended to keep Charles and Herace engaged. He punished his sister and dishonored her child, but she was once a close blood relative and his sister. The emperor, who was sorry for Charles¡¯ loss of everything in a moment, was about to return his right title to Herace, when things calmed down a bit.


    ¡®All I want is her.¡¯


    But Ezekiel was adamant. He insisted that he didn¡¯t need anything but Herace. In the end, the emperor broke his will and nodded.


    When the Emperor¡¯s acceptance fell, Ezekael pulled Herace out of jail. And she went to Serpence Castle in the north and married him. Everyone opened their eyes wide at what happened in the blink of an eye.


    ¡®What a case! A traitor becomes a duchess. How ridiculous!¡¯


    ¡®Come to think of it, when the Duke was a knight, I heard he had a crush on her. I thought it was a false rumor.¡¯


    ¡®Charles¡­ I feel sorry for him. He lost everything in an instant. Even his fiancee went to his half-brother, so how upset he must be now. He was a good person. I can¡¯t help but feel sorry for him.¡¯


    People pointed fingers at her when things went that way. Ezekiel, a close aide to the emperor and the new Duke Serpence.


    It was despicable, but that was just the way the world was. Herace had turned into a dirty woman; one who seduced her fianc¨¦¡¯s brother.


    ***


    ¡°Ah! I see something!¡±


    ¡°Where is it? Where is it¡­ Ah¡­¡­¡±


    Herace, who looked up the hill at Anna¡¯s words, unknowingly smiled widely.


    ¡°He¡¯s over there¡­ Do you see him?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Even from a distance, the master looks dashing. I knew it right away. Oh, ma¡¯am, your cheeks are redder somehow.¡±


    Anna was exclaiming, but Herace¡¯s reaction was unexpectedly calm. She showed no reaction, as if her ears were closed. Of course that doesn¡¯t mean it¡¯s really nothing. Her family left and she suddenly got married, but she wasn¡¯t fine. Two years later, she finally accepted it. No, actually, one person made her happy.


    Ezekiel¡­


    Herace loved Ezekiel no matter what anyone said. He was a nice person. He saved and watched over her, who was shocked by the rebellion. No matter how evil and presumptuous she was portrayed as, she was a kind person. Her torn spirit and messed up mind was restored by Ezekiel.


    She regretted the fact that it took her a long time to realize her gratitude. Herace tiptoed and looked at her husband, who was gradually approaching her. Sitting on a black warhorse, he was full of prowess, just like he was three months ago.

 CH 1

    As if to repay Herace¡¯s wait, Ezekiel crossed the hill in no time. To greet the soon-to-arrive owner of the castle, Herace often hurried down the stairs. When she finished walking down the stairs, she heard a long noise and stopped.


    A black cape flapped before her eyes. Ezekiel, who got off a black horse, handed over the reins to a servant. Herace looked full of anticipation as she waited for him to kiss her on the forehead soon after he got there.


    [¡­¡­ah?]


    But Herace¡¯s prediction proved to be wrong. Ezekiel, who spoke to the servant, did not approach her. No, he didn¡¯t even look at her. Sensing that something wasn¡¯t right, Herace looked at her husband¡¯s group, they had just arrived but had their heads down.


    The atmosphere of the knights was also different from before. Edgar, who was following right behind Ezekiel, bowed his head, and the other knights refused to make eye contact with her, only looking at the floor or in front of them.


    Originally, they weren¡¯t friendly to her. But they weren¡¯t this heartless either¡­


    Herace stared at her husband¡¯s back with precarious eyes.


    Ezekiel wanted the knights to move first and stood right behind them. He looked to see if there was anything, and then came a small carriage pulled by two horses. It looked quite luxurious and cozy to be a carriage. He knocked on the carriage window and opened the door.


    Looking at her husband¡¯s face from the side, Herace thought she saw a smile on his face. Soon a strange woman appeared. She couldn¡¯t see the details because of her long blonde hair, but the silhouette made it clear that she was a great beauty. Next to her, Anna shouted sharply, ¡°Who is that girl?!¡±


    All of the people, who were waiting with Herace for Ezekiel, looked at the owner and then at the strange woman with a look of surprise. However, Ezekiel and the blonde woman who drew everyone¡¯s attention, whispered to each other and laughed quietly. Ezekiel held the woman¡¯s waist tenderly, lifted her up and carefully lowered her to the floor.


    Herace¡¯s eyes shook swiftly. By all accounts, the two were lovers. Ezekiel kissed the woman¡¯s forehead and looked at her eyes for a long time as if she was lovely. The woman also smiled brightly at him.


    ¡°Uhhh¡­¡±


    ¡°Madam, are you alright?!¡±


    Herace groaned unconsciously and put her hand on her belly. It didn¡¯t show much, but Herace was pregnant now. Anna turned pale as she helped her. A few maids rushed up to her.


    Only then did Ezekiel turn his eyes toward the commotion. His golden eyes shifted their gaze to Herace who was holding her belly. But there was no worry in his eyes. They were insensitive like they were looking at an inanimate object. A pair of cold Northern frosty eyes.


    Herace didn¡¯t see Ezekiel anymore. The blue eyes, which were hardened due to embarrassment, were fixed on the woman, not her husband. As if she felt the gaze, the woman looked back at Herace, flipping her blonde hair.


    The woman was a beauty as expected. Her green eyes were lovely and her blonde hair looked like melted gold. But it wasn¡¯t the pretty face of the woman that captivated Herace. The strange woman¡¯s hand was on her belly, too.


    Just like Herace¡¯s¡­


    The woman¡¯s swollen belly was no doubt almost full term.


    ****


    Chapter 1. Betrayal.


    He was in front of his pregnant wife. She couldn¡¯t believe he was bringing this woman before her. What¡¯s more, the woman is pregnant. It was not easy to do this even in Anais, a male-centered society.


    She couldn¡¯t even breathe. Now, she understood why the knights looked at the ground and not at her. They lowered their eyes to their toes. However, for the owner of the castle, this seemed to be nothing.


    Herace stared at the woman with a sense of loss and blinked as her husband approached. The hands of her husband, who was getting closer, were holding a woman who wasn¡¯t her.


    A scene that she just wanted to forget hit Herace.


    Ezekiel, who stood in front of Herace now, slowly looked down at her blankly. Inside the sparkling golden eyes, like a beast, was a mixture of boredom and slight displeasure.


    Herace, who couldn¡¯t bear it, bowed her head awkwardly while hugging her swollen belly.


    ¡°Congratulations on your return.¡±


    It was her first time seeing her husband after a long time. Ezekiel by far had never looked at her like this. The voice was trembling and wasn¡¯t loud enough, so it was hard to hear.


    This time, Ezekiel¡¯s eyebrows furrowed.


    Silence fell between the two.


    But soon a taunting laugh broke the silence.


    ¡°¡­¡­hahaha!¡±


    The sound came from the blonde woman next to Ezekiel. She was giggling with her mouth covered by her other hand that Ezekiel wasn¡¯t holding.


    People¡¯s faces hardened at this.


    ¡°This¡­!¡±


    Anna, who recognized the owner of the laugh, tried to run out, frowning violently. However, she was frozen by Ezekiel¡¯s fierce stare. Ezekiel gripped the woman¡¯s hand a little hard and gave it a pat. It was like a gesture letting her know that it was okay.


    ¡°Sorry¡­ I¡¯m sorry. But because it¡¯s just so funny¡­¡±


    The woman couldn¡¯t stop laughing as if the situation was enjoyable. The longer she laughed, the paler Herace¡¯s face became. Barely supporting her shuddering legs, she raised her head courageously. She looked up at Ezekiel, her eyes moistened by the cold wind, as if longing for something from him.


    Ezekiel twitched his eyebrows once, as if her gaze was not worth it, and then turned to the woman. He tenderly hugged the woman¡¯s waist and put her in his arms, as if notifying Herace.


    ¡°Greetings. She is the woman who will be with me in the future.¡±


    ¡®I will miss you.¡¯


    It was a tone that was no different from the words he always used to say when he went somewhere. In a very calm tone, for a moment, Herace doubted that she had heard something wrong. But as if to prove she was right, she could hear gasps of surprise around her.


    ¡°Hello, Madam.¡±


    The woman greeted her warmly and smiled beautifully. She was a bright woman, unsuitable for the snowy North. She glanced at Herace up and down and pushed her full belly forward. The way she caressed her stomach with two hands looked confident.


    The woman¡¯s belly, which was more than twice the size as Herace¡¯s, caught her eyes again. She touched her stomach without realizing it, and tears flowed down her cheeks. She tried to keep it in, but she couldn¡¯t.


    ¡°Oh, what¡¯s the matter?¡±


    The woman¡¯s hand strongly held Ezekiel¡¯s arms and blinked her eyes at him. If anyone could see her, it was as if she had been harmed. Anna¡¯s eyes flashed violently again.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go in.¡±


    Ezekiel passed Herace, who staggered greatly. Almost knowing the woman, his mouth was filled with a small but obvious smile. The woman replied in a charming tone while fluttering her blonde hair.


    ¡°Okay, don¡¯t rush, Ezekiel.¡±


    Herace, hearing her husband¡¯s name as the woman emphasized, couldn¡¯t have been more upset.


    Herace leaned on Anna and stared intently at her husband¡¯s back as he climbed the steps past her. Her eyes clouded with tears. She wanted to catch and question him right away.


    She wanted to lie on the floor and curse¡­


    ¡°Madam! Ma¡¯am! Wake up, Ma¡¯am! Miss!¡±


    Anna could be heard talking next to her. Her ears buzzed and her vision blurred. Herace, who had been trying to maintain her composure, eventually gave up.


    ***


    ¡°Her name is Charlotte. She is a s***!*


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°Do you know what she used to be? She¡¯s a woman who sleeps with anyone. Even with the soldiers in the war!¡±


    ¡°The child in the womb must not be the master¡¯s child. Three months ago, he was here. He was so sweet to you!¡±


    ¡°So don¡¯t worry. It¡¯s all in the past. I¡¯ve heard of it before. Men sometimes go insane and do crazy things. It¡¯s the same for the master. He has been in the war zone for a long time, he will come back to you.¡±


    ¡°So, Lady¡­ No, Ma¡¯am, don¡¯t worry¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­Stop it.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, so stop it, Anna.¡±


    Anna managed to resist yelling, wanting to say she didn¡¯t look okay at all. But it would not be heard by Herace in her current state.


    Herace was completely dazed. At first glance, the blue eyes seemed to be watching the burning embers in the fireplace, but they seemed to have lost their soul.


    Well, how wouldn¡¯t this be shocking? Anna blames Ezekiel and the woman, they made Herace like this. With her lips curled, she burst in a rage.


    ¡®I should¡¯ve ripped your mouth when you were laughing.¡¯


    According to the secret message from Amy, the maid, Ezekiel, the owner of the castle, gave the blonde girl the annex closest to the main building and allowed her to use the room next to the duke¡¯s study while the annex was being cleaned up.


    ¡®It¡¯s next to the Duke¡¯s study! How far away are you from that room! You told my lady that you wanted her to live, but it was all lies.¡¯


    ED/N: This didn¡¯t make any sense to us either. T_T


    It was said that when a man¡¯s wife gets pregnant, he puts his hands in different pockets¡­ but in the midst of anger, Anna tilted her head in doubt.


    Ezekiel was a devoted husband to Herace. He rescued her who almost became a slave after the fall of Devone, and he saved her who wanted to die. In addition, three months ago, before leaving the country, Ezekiel looked only at Herace.


    How many women have been looking forward to having him?


    It was him who broke Amy¡¯s arm, a maid who seduced him in the bathroom just before leaving the castle, and kicked her out.


    ¡°There¡¯s no such thing as a change of heart¡­¡±


    Come to think of it, there was news that the master was injured a couple of months ago. How hard it was for her to stop Herace because she insisted on going there herself.


    They then soon got a letter saying that he was feeling better, so they thought it wouldn¡¯t be a big deal. But from then on, Ezekiel had stopped writing to Herace.

 CH 2

    ¡°What do you mean, then?¡±


    ¡°There was a time when the Lord got hurt and a letter came. After that, I¡¯ve found it strange that no other letters ever arrived¡­At that time, that greedy girl must have bewitched the master!¡±


    Anna raised her voice in excitement as if what she said was true. But Herace didn¡¯t react. She only stared straight ahead with blank eyes.


    ¡®Come on, now that I know, what¡¯s the use? My husband had already been seduced.¡¯


    Anna, who was watching, went to Herace¡¯s side and knelt down. Herace entered the room and turned her head for the first time to the warmth that was holding her hands tightly. Anna comforted her with warm eyes.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry too much.¡±


    ¡°Of course, I know that no matter what I say, it will not console you. But you have endured even more difficult times than this. You have to overcome this too. You are no longer alone¡­¡±


    ¡°There is a baby in your womb.¡±


    At the word baby, Herace put her hands on her stomach. The greatest gift Ezekiel has ever given her. One of the hopes in life that made her happy more than anything. Her sinking blue eyes had slowly returned to focus.


    ¡°And no matter what anyone says, the Duchess is Anna¡¯s Lady. And I¡¯m not the only one who feels like that, so there¡¯s no need to be afraid. If there isn¡¯t anyone else, I¡¯ll pull out all my hair. Please believe me.¡±


    Herace¡¯s eyes got a little moist at Anna¡¯s exaggerated voice. Anna was one of the few people who remained grateful to her even after all that she had gone through. Herace took Anna¡¯s hand and nodded her head slightly.


    ¡®Yes, I have to pull myself together and get over it. I have to do something step by step, instead of idling and crying.¡¯


    She didn¡¯t know why Ezekiel suddenly changed, but even if it was that his heart had gotten cold, it was something she had to endure. Doesn¡¯t she have a past?


    Herace didn¡¯t even talk to Ezekiel for months when she first came to Serpence Castle. Not only that, but even throughout their wedding day, she only shed tears. She ruined the ceremony and humiliated her husband. So, even if Ezekiel hated her now, she was not in a position to say anything about it.


    However, contrary to what she thought, merely thinking of him with another woman made her heart throb in pain. Herace held her hand tightly and took it to her chest.


    Of course, that was assuming the worst case scenario. Until just a few months ago, he cared for and loved her. Although it was in the past, Herace was not dull enough to forget his feelings. He was more honest than anyone else when it came to loving her.


    ¡®¡­Firstly, I need to tell him about the baby.¡±


    Herace was determined. She was so afraid of her husband¡¯s cold eyes, but she had to be brave for the child in her womb. She¡¯s not alone anymore.


    ¡°Anna.¡±


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°Ezekiel¡­. Inform the Duke I want to meet him¡­¡­¡±


    When she made up her mind, she had to put it into practice. Courage is bound to fade away. Herace tried to get Anna to call for Ezekiel, her heart feeling restless. But then they heard a knock outside. Both eyes turned to the door at the same time.


    At Herace¡¯s glance, Anna got up and opened the door, and an attendant entered the room. He bowed politely and delivered Ezekiel¡¯s command.


    ¡°The master asks for you to have a meal together.¡±


    ***


    There was a reason the cooks in the castle were busy. As if to congratulate the Lord on his safe return, the food laid out on the long table looked delicious.


    Herace quietly moved the tableware and glanced at Ezekiel, who was sitting opposite her. Since it was a meal he had asked for first, she was nervous that the woman named Charlotte would be there. Fortunately, they were the only ones sitting at the table.


    But even if it was just the two of them, her heart still felt pained. Usually, Ezekiel would escort her himself whenever there was a dinner like this. It was the first time that a servant came instead like today. Considering her typical aristocratic family, this was quite natural for her, but as a woman who liked to go down to the dining room while whispering close to her husband, it felt like she had lost a bit of her joy.


    Moreover, when she arrived at the restaurant, Ezekiel had not said a word until now. Herace wanted to break this silence somehow, but she was afraid, and instead nibbled at the food on her plate. The blue pheasant, which is said to be only found in the North, had a deep flavor as the chefs put great effort into it. However, this could not impress Herace in her current state.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you eat? Does it not suit your taste?¡±


    It was when she sliced the meat helplessly. Ezekiel spoke to her, after taking her eyes off her plate for a moment. It wasn¡¯t much of a greeting, but Herace felt her heart beat fast. Anyway, what he said wasn¡¯t a word of care. She replied shyly, feeling cramped at the awkward atmosphere.


    ¡°¡­I¡¯m eating.¡±


    Ezekiel didn¡¯t react to her answer anymore. Instead, he took the meat to his mouth, chewed and swallowed it, then sliced the grilled mushrooms that came with it, biting still.


    ¡°Any questions?¡±


    Unlike him, who was still calm, Herace shuddered.


    ¡®I¡¯m curious¡­There are a lot of things I want to ask.¡¯


    But Herace held down the questions that came up from within and brought up a subject that her husband would not be uncomfortable with.


    ¡°Did your work go well?¡±


    ¡°With this sweeping, the savages won¡¯t be bothering us for a while, so you can say that it¡¯s over.¡±


    ¡°I heard you were injured. Of course, I got a letter saying that you were healed, but I wasn¡¯t sure¡­¡±


    ¡°Is that all you have to ask?¡±


    Herace raised her head at the sound of the slightly subdued voice. His yellow eyes stared intently at her.


    It wasn¡¯t scary or cold. But Herace felt that Ezekiel was angry. Faintly.


    At the same time as the lips that had fallen off stuck together, Herace stopped slicing the food.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you curious about Charlotte?¡±


    As she faltered, Ezekiel asked more boldly. Unlike Herace, who had a fork and a knife in her hands, Ezekiel¡¯s hands were off the table and had his arms crossed. He scanned Herace¡¯s face, then smirked, ¡°Looking at your face, you seem to already know her name. So, do you know where she came from?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s a fine girl. Although her origin is lowly, she is a great woman who can give pleasure to her man. Unlike someone¡­¡±


    Her lost eyes fluttered aimlessly. Unlike someone else, he said so and looked at Herace¡¯s torso, exactly at her chest. From the feeling of insult, a blush rose from her neck to her ears. Ezekiel drank wine as if unaware that her eyes had begun to fill with water, and continued.


    ¡°¡­.. it¡¯s disgusting to think about it. This is the first time I¡¯m talking to you about it. My wife knew about my lover before I could tell her¡­ There must have been a rat who told you about Charlotte.¡±


    ¡®My wife and my lover.¡¯


    Thinking that these words refer to different people, Herace blinked hard a couple of times trying to hold back the tears that were gushing out.


    ¡°Did the maid that you care so much about tell you?¡±


    ¡°I-I asked.. I asked Anna first¡­¡±


    The person he was talking about was definitely Anna. Herace defended Anna, who came to her senses due to her husband¡¯s shrill voice.


    ¡®My husband was not a person who harmed people in any way. But he was merciless to anyone who wanted to disturb or hurt him.¡¯


    ¡°You must have done so.¡±


    There was some kind of resentment in Ezekiel¡¯s voice, but there was no way it could be heard by Herace¡¯s ears, who was terrified at the thought of what would happen to Anna.


    ¡°Really. Trust me. Anna has just gotten to know her, as I told her to find out.¡±


    ¡°The noble Duchess Serpence would certainly do so. Do you think I don¡¯t know you? You probably don¡¯t even like to hear about my mistress. After all, you are not the kind of person who would try to find out about her husband¡¯s lover first.¡±


    ¡®Mistress¡¯, what the word meant was clear. Herace bowed her head in pain at the mention of the word rather than Ezekiel¡¯s sarcastic voice. As long as the word mistress came out of her husband¡¯s mouth, she could no longer ignore the fact that he has another woman. Her fingernails dug deep into the palm of her hand.


    ¡°That¡¯s how it is now. I have something to tell you, so I asked you to have dinner together.¡±


    Herace looked at Ezekiel with a sad face. Hearing his cold and hard voice as if confirming, it was certain. Ezekiel. Her husband no longer loves her¡­


    ¡°¡­I don¡¯t love you.¡±


    It was then that Herace bit her lip hard, unable to accept the truth. Her voice was low as Ezekiel sternly warned her.


    ¡°I¡¯m telling you now. Do not touch Charlotte.¡±


    The blood drained from Herace¡¯s face. The fork and knife she was holding fell haphazardly onto her plate with a sharp sound. Ezekiel looked at her as she got up from her seat, giving a brief glance at the mess at the table in front of her.


    ¡°I-I!¡±


    Herace got up from her chair and tears were streaming down her eyes. Ezekiel said it in a tone that was sure she would hurt his Charlotte. Herace felt horrible. She had never dared to imagine that this would confirm that his love was gone.


    With a sense of humiliation, Herace trembled, unable to speak. But was it really just a sense of shame? Feeling the tears falling down, Herace asked herself, ¡®Is that really all you¡¯ve got?¡¯


    ¡°Don¡¯t make a fuss and sit down.¡±


    Ezekiel gave a firm command to Herace¡®s sad face as she wept, but Herace stood still.


    Ezekiel sighed and brought himself closer to the table. The table in front of him was still neat, unlike Herace¡®s. Ezekiel clasped his hands, putting it on the table, ¡°Of course, I don¡¯t think people like you will move because of my mistress. You don¡¯t have the personality to do that. What I mean is, keep a tight rein on the people working under you.¡±

 CH 3

    ¡°¡­Why do I have to listen to this?¡±


    For the first time, Herace¡¯s voice was filled with anger. She looked straight at Ezekiel. Her blue eyes stared at him, moving up and down.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Why are you angry? It¡¯s me who should be angry. I¡­ I have your child. But why do you look so proud, having brought your mistress in front of me?!¡±


    Her voice filled with emotion was strong and fierce, but it was also sincere. Even if you weren¡¯t involved in their matters, you could tell. The woman venting her anger at her husband herself was heartbroken. She was crying and trembling at the betrayal of her loved one.


    ¡°If you were thinking of me¡­ If you ever thought of our child, you shouldn¡¯t be doing this. If you wanted to bring in a woman, at least wait until our child¡­ For heaven¡¯s sake¡­ Wait until our child is born¡­¡±


    ¡°Why would I?¡±


    Herace¡¯s desperate cry failed to reach Ezekiel. He questioned her with a neutral face.


    ¡°I asked, why would I do that?¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about now? A child. Our child. Do you not have any thoughts of our child, who isn¡¯t even born yet?¡±


    ¡°Is it such a great thing to have my child? Charlotte does too.¡±


    Shock struck Herace. Her eyes widened and looked at her husband without even blinking. He just filled his glass wine again and swirled it around, slowly savoring the red liquid in it.


    ¡°You seem to be misunderstanding something, but the child Charlotte is bearing is mine. It is also my first child.¡±


    His first child.


    ¡®What more can I say?¡¯


    Herace felt disgusted by her husband¡¯s sweet voice.


    She covered her mouth and gagged a couple of times. Despite seeing it, Ezekiel had a calm face. He brought his glass to his lips, swallowed the wine, and spoke calmly, ¡°Ah¡­ I have one more thing to tell you.¡±


    ¡°Not touching Charlotte means two things. One is me telling you to leave my beloved woman in peace, and the other is¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­To be considerate so that my heir can be born safely.¡±


    Heir.


    Now, it wasn¡¯t just about her and Ezekiel. Herace grabbed her stomach and screamed, ¡°Absolutely not! Your heir will be this child. Our child!¡±


    ¡®If I make a mistake, the child in my womb will be in danger.¡¯


    With a motherly expression on her face, and not as a betrayed wife, Herace spoke up vehemently. She stopped being wary of her words.


    ¡°Why would such a woman¡¯s filthy b*stard be¡­¡±


    Herace held her tongue on belittling Charlotte, while calling the child in her womb a filthy b*stard. She spat out so much in anger, but only after saying them did she realise¨C


    An illegitimate child, a b*stard¡­ She never spoke these words after marrying Ezekiel. No, even within the Serpence Castle, no one dared to say those words out loud.


    That is because, the owner of Serpence Castle and the current Duke Serpence, Ezekiel Serpence, was an illegitimate child.


    ¡°Did you just say b*stard?¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­..¡±


    As Herace closed her mouth in embarrassment, Ezekiel asked with a deep smile. Although the words could have been insulting to him, he had an indifferent expression on his face.


    ¡°Yes. Charlotte is not a legitimate wife, and the child born to her will be an illegitimate child. But Herace, it seems you¡¯ve forgotten¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I am also an illegitimate child.¡±


    ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry. That¡¯s not what I meant¡­.¡±


    Herace forgot that she was angry and looked at her husband. She felt remorse for hurting him at this moment. Especially because she knew his past.


    Herace, who was restless with her hands clasped together, seemed pitiful. Anyone who saw her would have wanted to soothe and console her.


    But her husband, who had her entirety, did not care. He smiled savagely and stared at his wife as if he were looking at his prey,  ¡°You don¡¯t have to be sorry. It¡¯s true I¡¯m a b*stard, but are you in a position to say that, Herace?¡±


    ¡°What¡­?¡±


    ¡°If your status had been as noble as before, no matter how much I loved Charlotte, her child would not have been my successor. But you know that you are not the noble woman you used to be. You¡¯re beautiful and noble. But not the Herace Devone who could have supported me.¡±


    Herace Devone. Her maiden name had fallen, and was now in ruins.


    Herace¡¯s face crumbled. Ezekiel knew for sure what Devone meant to her, and how painful it is for her past to be brought up.


    She felt the wounds that had barely healed, tear open again. The funny thing was, the person who healed her wounds was the same one who has now cut it wide open. Unlike her, who trembled because she didn¡¯t want to give her husband any pain, Ezekiel didn¡¯t hesitate.


    ¡°You, a sinner¡¯s daughter, are nothing but a bounty given to me by His Majesty the Emperor. Well¡­ in a way, you might be lower than Charlotte. Charlotte¡¯s father sold her, but at least he didn¡¯t commit treason.¡±


    ¡°¡­ Come on, don¡¯t make that face. Have you forgotten? The kind of situation you¡¯re in?¡±


    Ezekiel¡¯s words dragged Herace into the abyss. Her situation¡­ yes. If it weren¡¯t for Ezekiel, she would have become a slave for another family.


    Herace bowed her head. The feeling of despair that she could never defeat her opponent, along with a sense of debt she had hidden, lifted her head, along with her guilt.


    ¡°All this time, I have supported you. But now I don¡¯t really understand why I have to do that.¡±


    Yes. Everything he said was right. Herace relaxed her grip on her hand. Then, she sat still in her chair and listened to him speak, as if she were a sinner. The forks and knives that were laid out haphazardly represented her heart. Seeing the blood-colored sauce, Herace swallowed back her rising emotions.


    ¡°Stay still until Charlotte gives birth. I mean, don¡¯t go against her and make her upset for no reason.¡±


    ¡°I hope you will just stay in your room. Away of Charlotte¡¯s sight or mine. After all, you, who are weak, cannot walk properly unless someone helps you.¡±


    ¡°¡­are you listening to me?¡±


    ¡°I asked if you were listening.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Answer me.¡±


    ¡°¡­I¡¯m listening.¡±


    Ezekiel looked more displeased when Herace obeyed. He wrinkled his brows, slammed his fist on the table, then stood up. The chair scratched the floor loudly, making an unpleasant noise.


    ¡°¡­I¡¯m sure you¡¯re clever enough to understand what I mean.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Then, I¡¯ll leave first. Finish your meal and go back.¡±


    Herace didn¡¯t even move until Ezekiel left. But when he passed the long table, brushing past her side and disappearing beyond the door¡­


    ¡°Heuk¡­¡±


    The cries that she had been holding back burst out like an explosion and were heard throughout the hall.


    ***


    The castle gradually warmed up as spring was coming. However, only the room where Herace stayed grew colder and colder. It was not due to heating.


    There had already been some talk in the castle. The people felt pity towards the Lord¡¯s wife but they kept their mouths shut. Because the castle¡¯s owner, Ezekiel, threatened to cut off the tongues and kick anyone out who dared speak about the matter, to the land of barbarians beyond the Northern mountains.


    Herace stayed in her room after that dinner. No one could even see her shadow except for Anna and the doctor in charge. Every time the doctor visited Herace¡¯s room once a day, he would let out a long sigh. If anyone who didn¡¯t know him, saw how dark his face was, they might mistakenly think that he was the patient and not the doctor.


    The complexion of the maids who went up with her meals was no different from that of the doctor. Anna prepared good food countless times, however, almost the same amount of food brought in also came out. Herace¡¯s appetite didn¡¯t return.


    ¡°You have to eat more.¡±


    ¡°¡­I can¡¯t eat anymore.¡±


    ¡°One more bite. The chef made it specially for you. It¡¯ll be good for the baby, too.¡±


    The morning sickness that had ended, came back and made her flip over. Anna stomped her feet as she saw Herace¡¯s pale face and body, which was getting thinner day by day.


    Herace covered her mouth and shook her head.


    ¡°Hah¡­ Miss, you have to eat more tomorrow. Okay?¡±


    From that day on, whenever she was alone with Herace, Anna referred to her as Miss. It was an expression of her own timid revenge and dissatisfaction towards Ezekiel. Herace, who had pointed it out to Anna several times at first, didn¡¯t say anything at some point. It was because her nausea rose whenever she heard the title ¡®Wife¡¯.


    ¡°¡­ Can you take me to the window?¡±


    Herace, who was leaning on her bed, looked out her window at the lake and asked Anna. The frozen lake melted slightly, revealing partly blue water. Anna nodded her head and supported Herace. Whether it was because the moon was full or she lost weight, Herace¡¯s belly looked more prominent. Anna wrapped a soft blanket over her shoulders.


    Anna supported Herace all the way to the couch by the window, sat her down and rubbed the foggy glass with her sleeve. Part of the expansive lake that spread out beyond the clear window, reflected the moonlight and glistened.


    ¡°When my child is born and has grown up a bit, I want to go there with him.¡±


    Herace¡¯s face relaxed a little. Anna clapped her hands at her Lady¡¯s smile that she had not seen in a long time.


    ¡°That¡¯s a good idea. There are many delicious things in Lake Aunue, so it would be good to go fishing with your baby.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re just¡­ thinking about eating till the end.¡±


    ¡°Lake Aunue¡¯s sweetfish is a delicacy. These days, we can¡¯t catch anything because of the weather, but please wait a little longer. I¡¯ll ask the Lord¡­. ahh!.¡±


    ¡°¡­ I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s okay.¡±


    Herace said it was fine, but Anna wanted to slap her mouth.


    ¡®What a stupid mouth I have!¡¯

 CH 4

    Anna had a reason for saying that. Familiarity¡­


    ¡® ¡­ this year will be tough.¡¯


    Herace¡¯s expression became a little bitter. Anna agonized over how to make her Lady feel better. But while Anna was lost in thought, Herace¡¯s face grew darker as she caught sight of something outside the window.


    Herace looked away, lowered her head, and after a while, looked out of the window. It was a slow move, but her entirety was filled with indisputable sadness. Anna quickly peeked out the window due to her Lady¡¯s strange actions.


    ¡®Hey, those people!¡¯


    Redness rose on Anna¡¯s face when she saw two people just below the window. In a sunny garden seat, a blonde woman sat in a comfortable position with a swollen belly. And behind her was a man standing and bending over.


    Anna stamped her feet without realizing it, but Herace¡¯s gaze remained outside. In the bright sun, Ezekiel was whispering, touching the woman¡¯s cheek. His silver reflection in the sun was dazzling.


    Shining. His eyes seemed to be filled with affection for his beloved lover.


    ¡®They match well.¡¯


    They were a beautiful couple. The two people with bright hair, resembling fairies from a legend. Herace clutched her black hair, then let go. Ezekiel would look at her hair and praise her that it was like a starry night, but Herace refused to believe it. Of course, an average man would prefer bright and shiny blonde hair rather than such a dull color.


    Herace raised her head again and saw the woman smiling softly. It was a smile as dazzling as the blonde hair she had. Herace unknowingly compared her reflection in the window to the woman.


    A melancholic expression, opposite to that of the woman outside, came on her face. Herace looked at her gloomy face and forcibly tried to lift the corners of her lips. The expression she wanted didn¡¯t come out. Herace tried to smile one more time but failed. She quit and looked outside again.


    The woman¡¯s belly, which she thought was full-term, looked a little more protruding. She thought it wouldn¡¯t be easy for her to walk with that¡­ She looked so healthy that her complexion was incomparable to that of Herace¡¯s. Her green eyes shone with joy, and her cheeks were apple red. Herace reached out to the window, then forced her eyes away.


    ¡°Anna.¡±


    ¡°Yes, my lady.¡±


    ¡°Can you help me get to bed?¡±


    Anna quickly rose to her feet. Herace, who noticed the lady¡¯s stiff face and nerved behavior, smiled quietly.


    ¡°¡­ I¡¯m a little tired. I want to get some sleep.¡±


    Anna was more upset about it. She thought it would have been better if she had a tough personality. It wouldn¡¯t have been this hard for her if she yelled just like any other woman.


    Herace, who had been timid since birth, was almost morbidly aware of other people¡¯s feelings after the collapse of her family, and felt guilty for no reason. Although she gradually improved after her marriage with Ezekael, she quickly returned to her previous form, perhaps because of the shock.


    Anna felt pained by this. She was so afraid that Herace would go back into that hole again.


    ¡°Thank you¡­¡±


    Herace, lying on the bed, exhaled a long breath with a pale complexion, and soon fell asleep with a small sigh. As she almost ran away, Anna covered Herace with a thick blanket, while silently swearing at the people outside.


    ¡®Damn people! I hope you both fall down and break your nose!¡¯


    If she didn¡¯t do that, she felt like she was going to burn out and die.


    ***


    ¡°By the way, where is it? There¡¯s a separate house right behind the main building. Although it looks small, it is quite pretty, so my eyes are naturally¡­¡±


    ¡°Duke?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Ezekiel, are you listening to me?¡±


    Charlotte felt strange after talking for a while and turned her head to Ezekiel. Sure enough, her man, who had been paying attention to her just a moment ago, was no longer looking at her. His golden eyes stared at a window just above them.


    ¡®What a truly handsome man.¡¯


    She was an endlessly greedy woman. Looking up from below, the man¡¯s jawline was as sharp and straight as his sword. Charlotte ran her tongue across her lips, grabbed Ezekiel¡¯s arm and shook it. Her charming voice was so sweet that no man could ignore it.


    ¡°Oh, by the way, you stopped listening. If you don¡¯t say anything, I¡¯ll be embarrassed¡­ ¡°


    ¡°Stop.¡±


    It wasn¡¯t strong, but a determined move that shook Charlotte off. The shadow that had been covering her thanks to the man who bent down, disappeared. As the bright sunlight poured down around her eyes, Charlotte frowned and quickly turned her head away.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go in first.¡±


    The man had no regrets at all. As soon as he moved, the huge back that was walking in front of her looked cruel. Without a word, Charlotte bit her lip. She kept feeling it, but she was being taken advantage of. Charlotte was angry and resentful.


    She put her hand above her eyes and looked at the window that Ezekiel was staring at with his sharp eyes a while ago. The window located on the left side of the 3rd floor of the castle was in the spot where it received the most light.


    ¡®I thought it was worth a try¡­¡¯


    Recalling the owner of the room, Charlotte pouted. She thought of the Duchess she had met, and got very angry. Charlotte was a confident woman who had everyone fall for her appearance wherever she went. But the moment she saw Herace, she felt defeated, she couldn¡¯t help it. She, the Duchess, was a beauty that was as rumored, able to open the eyes of the blind.


    ¡®It¡¯s okay. It¡¯s not just the face that attracts men.¡¯


    Still, Charlotte was confident. She herself endured some storms as she took this place. After she was brought to the hands of her gambling-addicted father, then was sold at a bargain price, she lived like a scoundrel and barely held fortune in her hands. She could never miss it. This luck was her hard-earned reward. The woman, who seemed to have grown up nicely just by looking at it, was right to step down now.


    ¡°What would a girl like a dry vegetable do?¡±


    When she remembered the first time she saw Ezekiel, her body felt warm. How surprised she was when the Duke, who had not even brought a maid to his barracks, called her in. She was intimidated by him, who was taller and bigger than most knights, but the fear disappeared because of him who soon broke her shyness.


    ¡®Huh?¡¯


    She was thinking of that night with Ezekiel. Like a broken road, she couldn¡¯t picture any of the steamy scenes. Only the memory of seeing him from afar and being thrown out of his barracks crossed her mind.


    ¡®What is this¡­¡¯


    Charlotte looked at her stomach with an eerie feeling. Her stomach was full with the child to be born next month. It was only natural that she was pregnant. However¡­.


    Charlotte didn¡¯t know when her stomach had gotten this big. There must have been a time when she first noticed her pregnancy, but she didn¡¯t even remember it. She couldn¡¯t even remember the moment she struggled with being pregnant. Her occasional memories only started dating two months ago. But she felt sick, as if she had eaten something wrong.


    A gentle breeze blew through the luxurious fur that covered her body. Charlotte felt confused at her jumbled up memories. She said she was sure until two months ago¡­


    Suddenly, a certain scene and conversation surfaced.


    ¡°Why did you call me back when you punished me so brutally?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll give you as much gold as you want. Instead, make a deal with me.¡±


    The man she saw after half a year, was still as cold as that day. His eyes had not changed at all from when she entered the barracks. He then ordered for her to be beaten and killed. She remembered her body trembling at the suggestion of her man. And after that?


    The man was dressed lightly as if he was going to bed soon. The muscles under the baggy white shirt were bulging. Charlotte was also wearing a thin chemise, not fit for a cold day. But then, he finally put a finger on her body¡­


    It was time for Charlotte to grab hold of the thread floating in her head and pull it. The moment she was about to grasp it, her stomach shook violently.


    ¡°Ouch!¡±


    The child in her stomach moved and sharp pain spread in an instant. As soon as it started, Charlotte¡¯s mind cleared again as if she had found her place. However, when the fog was lifted from her mind, there was nothing to see. The unknown sense of loss for no apparent reason and a heavy belly frightened Charlotte.


    ¡°Ugh¡­¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­ My lady!¡±


    She moaned and grabbed her stomach. A surprised maid next to her came to see her condition just then. Charlotte angrily slapped the maid¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Get out of the way!¡±


    ¡°Oh!¡±


    Charlotte¡¯s long fingernails that scratched the maid caused a wound. The child kicked one more time, a red line appearing. Charlotte leaned back comfortably on the chair, frowning. Looking at the red line in her mind, she felt strangely uncomfortable with her heart beating.


    ¡°Shh¡­ you¡¯re gonna have to behave, baby. This mother is having a hard time. Yes¡­ Quietly¡­¡±


    Charlotte stroked her belly with one hand and bit her nails. It was a habit that came out whenever she felt anxious.


    ¡°¡­This is my chance. I can¡¯t miss it.¡±


    The slow sounds brought her stability. Her uneasiness melted away like snow, and a strange exaltation enveloped her. In her mind, she could picture everything that was going to be in her hands. She was a beautiful woman who was hungry for endless wealth and power, and the noble status and honor of being a Duchess¡­


    Charlotte¡¯s green eyes became hazy. She lowered her eyebrows and looked at her swollen belly. It was because of this. Everything!


    She whispered, stroking her round belly up and down as if possessed.


    ¡°My baby, if you are born safely, I can have everything.¡±

 CH 5

    ¡°My lady, you can¡¯t keep this up.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°You have to eat on time, and move a little bit.¡±


    It¡¯d been a while since Herace locked herself in her room. Her doctor stooped to the level of begging her to take care of herself.


    ¡°This is a problem. Think of your baby and please cheer up.¡±


    Herace was unwilling. But she forced herself to rise when she was told to think of the baby in her stomach.


    ¡°That¡¯s good!¡±


    ¡°Oh, Anna, you seem to like this more than I do.¡±


    Anna smiled broadly and nodded when Herace said that she had eaten her meal and offered to go for a walk outside.


    She was excited seeing Herace¡¯s progress, having taken care of her for so long, so Herace felt a little sorry for giving her trouble.


    ¡°Of course, it¡¯s good. It¡¯s been a long time since I¡¯ve been out with my lady.¡±


    ¡°True¡­¡±


    ¡°Walk slowly¡­ Carefully¡­ Slowly¡­¡­.¡±


    When she came outside, she felt much better. Although the wind was still a little cold, it was immeasurably refreshing compared to her room, and most of all, the green sprouts made her feel like it was finally spring.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. You must have been frustrated¡­¡±


    The child seemed pleased, too. Maybe it was just her imagination, but Herace put her hand on her stomach and pitied the baby inside. She apologized many times.


    ¡°Are you tired?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nice to be here.¡±


    The garden of the annex where the two of them were walking was smaller than the main one, but it was enough for a pregnant woman to walk in moderation.


    Herace¡¯s steps gradually became joyful.


    Little birds chirped overhead. As Herace walked from the garden to the annex, she saw a little white bird caring for its young in the nest. The fluffy baby birds had their mouths open while their eyes were still closed. The warm and peaceful scene drew a smile on Herace¡¯s lips.


    However, Anna could not enjoy the garden as comfortably as her Lady. As she recalled the story of Charlotte, she muttered, inaudible to Herace, ¡°For that girl to come to this place¡­¡±


    Charlotte had decided to stay in the room next to Ezekiel¡¯s study until she delivered the baby. Thanks to this, the neat and tidy annex was still quiet. Anna grumbled from time to time as to whether this beautiful garden was to be taken over by the mistress, but Herace tried to ignore it and enjoyed the relief that had come after a long time.


    ¡°Oh, so embarrassing. Don¡¯t do this, Ezekiel.¡±


    But their peace was short-lived. They heard an unwanted voice when they almost reached the front of the annex beyond the garden. Anna shifted behind the shrub, looked forward and clenched her teeth.


    ¡°No way, they are laughing and talking right in front of us¡­ I can¡¯t believe this¡­¡± Anna mumbled.


    Ezekiel and Charlotte. The two, who had always chatted in the garden outside Herace¡¯s bedroom, somehow came to the annex. As always, they stuck close to each other whispering. Herace, who briefly saw the two, whispered to Anna.


    ¡°¡­Let¡¯s just go back.¡±


    Anna quickly looked into Herace¡¯s eyes. What if she got shocked again?


    But contrary to expectations, Herace was calm. She didn¡¯t falter or show tears.


    ¡°Now¡­¡±


    When she saw the two of them through the bedroom window, it felt like she was watching them secretly, so it was painful, but when she faced them openly in the same space like this, strangely, her heart was calm. Of course, that didn¡¯t mean that her heart didn¡¯t hurt, but¡­ it was bearable. Yes, it was just bearable.


    Herace turned quietly. But before she could walk, a high-pitched voice called her.


    ¡°Oh my God, Lady. Where are you going?¡±


    For some time now, Ezekiel and Charlotte had been watching Herace. Anna frowned at her. How dare the mistress speak to the Duchess first? No matter how favored the mistress is, this was absurd. She immediately wanted to run over and pull all her hair out.


    ¡°You¡¯re not running away because you don¡¯t want to see me, are you?¡±


    It was time for Anna to contain her anger. Although she felt Anna¡¯s gaze, Charlotte smiled softly. Her slightly raised red lips that asked the question, was the kind to anger people. Anna trembled and took one step ahead.


    ¡°T-That¡¯s¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­.I¡¯m fine, so be quiet.¡±


    Herace gestured to Anna to stop. There¡¯d be nothing good about her dealing with this.


    ¡°I hope you will just stay in your room. Away from Charlotte¡¯s sight and mine.¡±


    Recalling those words, Herace bowed her head slightly to Ezekiel. Ezekiel did not greet her back. Instead, he stared intently at her. His gaze was so bitter that her body stinged.


    ¡°So uncomfortable to look at.¡±


    Herace, who understood Ezekiel¡¯s intentions, turned away, suppressing her sadness.


    But as she tried to walk again, Ezekiel caught her.


    ¡°Come here for a second. It must have been hard to walk all the way here.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Come on.¡±


    As Herace hesitated, Ezekiel urged. They were short words, but his voice was almost coercive. Herace approached Ezekiel without making eye contact with him.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, my Lady. Normally, you should say hello first¡­. As you can see, my body is so heavy¡­. Do you understand?¡±


    Unlike her words, there was no sign of remorse. Herace didn¡¯t answer Charlotte¡¯s words.


    What was the use of getting involved with her husband¡¯s mistress?


    When Herace looked down without saying anything despite Charlotte¡¯s rude remarks, Ezekiel¡¯s lips thinned. He called a maid and a knight.


    ¡°Take Charlotte in.¡±


    ¡°Ezekiel!¡±


    Charlotte, who had been smiling this whole time, exclaimed sharply. She looked at Ezekiel with tears in her eyes, and acted like a wounded lover.


    Anna breathed out, ¡°Huh?¡±, which only Herace could hear.


    ¡°It¡¯s because I¡¯m worried about you. Go inside.¡±


    ¡°But I still want to be with you¡­¡±


    When Ezekiel stroked Charlotte¡¯s hair as if to soothe her, she pouted her lips and held his hand. Ezekiel smiled and kissed her forehead without saying a word, then gestured to the maid again.


    Noticing his firm decision, Charlotte followed the maid and the knight without saying a word. But until the very end, the way she looked at Herace was so sharp that Herace thought it might turn into a dagger and stab her at any moment.


    ¡°You send the maid for a while, too. I have something to say.¡±


    Herace didn¡¯t want to be with Ezekiel. She was too afraid to be alone with him. Ezekiel was speaking calmly, but in Herace¡¯s eyes, he seemed angry.


    ¡°¡­Anna is good. I¡¯ll leave soon anyway, she¡¯s with me to take care of myself, so please understand.¡±


    Only then did Ezekiel¡¯s gaze reach Herace¡¯s belly. He looked at Anna¡¯s hand, which was supporting Herace¡¯s arm, and made a slight frown.


    ¡°I¡¯ll help you.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. Anna¡¯s enough¡­¡±


    ¡°Ha¡­ I¡¯m speechless.¡±


    Ezekiel did not hide his displeasure. Anna¡¯s face turned white at his sight. Herace noticed her trembling body.


    ¡°I was being polite to you, Duchess, to save your face. Take your hand off right now.¡±


    When he asked who gave her Charlotte¡¯s name last time, it was just a speculation, but now, it became clear that he was dissatisfied with Anna. Herace beckoned her to step back in a hurry. Anna looked worried for a moment and disappeared behind a bush. As soon as she disappeared, Ezekiel strode closer to Herace.


    ¡°A little while ago, don¡¯t you remember what I said?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­ ¡±


    ¡°I must have told you not to come in front of Charlotte.¡±


    After all¡­ She understood why he was angry. Herace felt her eyes tingle and whispered quietly to Ezekiel.


    ¡°¡­I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°Even Charlotte, a mistress, obeys me immediately, but you¡¯re the Duchess and you don¡¯t think of me at all.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know you were here. If I had known, I wouldn¡¯t have come.¡±


    Herace¡¯s voice was a little hoarse. She came here to escape them, who were in the garden all the time, and Ezekiel made fun of her.


    ¡°Why? Are you angry that I¡¯m saying this?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­ ¡±


    ¡°¡­You¡¯re not answering again.¡±


    Ezekiel came closer to Herace and grabbed her chin as he leaned his head down. It wasn¡¯t strong, but Herace was startled by the sudden touch. It was their first skin-to-skin contact since he returned.


    ¡°Hey, you always do this.¡±


    ¡°Stop it. I told you I wouldn¡¯t have come if I had known.¡±


    ¡°If that¡¯s all you want to warn me about, then, I¡¯ll leave. It will be convenient for each other.¡±


    As the sarcastic words continued, a small hand struck Ezekiel¡¯s hand.


    Something dropped from the sleeve of her dress to the floor.


    ¡°Oh¡­¡±


    Frustrated, Herace picked up the item in a hurry with her hands on her stomach. But Ezekiel narrowed his eyes as if he had already seen it fall. A finely folded handkerchief was crumpled at Herace¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Globe Amaranth embroidery¡­ who are you going to give it to?¡±


    In Anais, a handkerchief with Globe Amaranth embroidery was given only to lovers or couples. When Ezekiel asked, Herace kept her mouth shut.


    Although the handkerchief was crumpled in her hand, the beautifully embroidered Globe Amaranth was of high quality to anyone¡¯s eyes. It was natural. The handkerchief dropped by Herace, was something she had struggled with for two months, thinking of Ezekiel.


    ¡®Of all things¡­¡¯


    Herace put all her heart into the handkerchief to give him a gift when he came back, and after completion, there was never a moment it was away from her body. The same was true even after her relationship with Ezekiel. Herace carried the handkerchief around her like a habit. She hadn¡¯t told him, but her feelings for him are still there.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have anyone to¡­ give it to¡­ It¡¯s just¡­ ¡±


    Herace, who couldn¡¯t say it was for him, hesitantly made excuses. With the handkerchief hidden behind her back, her face turned red as she bowed her head. Her demeanor of not being able to tell lies was so obvious that even a five-year-old would notice it.

 CH 6

    Herace made another excuse out of embarrassment, but she had hoped Ezekiel would realize the truth. What came back was a cold rebuke.


    ¡°Can¡¯t you act right?¡±


    At his unexpected response, Herace looked at Ezekiel, her eyes wide open.


    ¡°What¡­.?¡±


    ¡°The Duchess has a handkerchief like this¡­ It¡¯s so precious she keeps it in her sleeve. Anyone who sees it would have misunderstood that you have a man.¡±


    His words and tone were close to being slanderous. Taken aback, Herace raised her voice in disappointment.


    ¡°This is ridiculous! This is what I made. I made it just for myself¡­¡±


    ¡°I know.¡±


    As Herace got upset, Ezekiel cut her off. Stunned by his answer, she looked at him with a puzzled expression.


    ¡°I know it¡¯s your work.¡±


    ¡°Then, why¡­?!¡±


    ¡°The others don¡¯t know.¡±


    She grew more despondent. Herace was unable to respond to Ezekiel¡¯s argument. But her ordeal had just begun. Ezekiel stared down at her with a cold face and twisted his mouth. A horrifying clear malice was directed towards Herace.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want there to be rumors that my wife has feelings for another man. I would be at a loss. I was the one who brought you here, what would I look like if you went around like that?¡±


    ¡°The world is going to call me an idiot. The opportunity given by the Emperor was wasted because of such a frivolous woman.¡±


    His harsh laugh was the same as it had been a few weeks ago. At the end of Ezekiel¡¯s words, which was painful to hear, Herace shed tears. What was wrong with him?


    ¡®Why is he doing this to me?¡¯


    ¡°¡­.Don¡¯t cry.¡±


    Ezekiel softly comforted the crying Herace. He wiped her tears away, sweeping the corners of her eyes with his thumb. His touch felt more chilling than it was a few months ago.


    ¡°Even if you show tears like this every time, nothing will be resolved.¡±


    His actions and other nasty words still remain. Ezekiel wiped Herace¡¯s face and took the handkerchief from her hand. Herace made a belated slight protest, but she couldn¡¯t reach him because he was much taller than her. He took a step back after taking it from Herace. The handkerchief, which fluttered in the wind passing by, couldn¡¯t have seemed more desolate.


    ¡°W-Why are you taking that?¡±


    Herace¡¯s trembling hands and red eyes represented her sorrow. As if pleased, Ezekiel ran his fingers over the area near the Globe Amaranth embroidery a couple of times and strode to the nearby fireplace. Her eyes alternated between the handkerchief in Ezekiel¡¯s hand and a blazing fire.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious? Something that could be misunderstood¡­¡±


    The handkerchief fluttered down and made contact with the fire. Herace watched the scene, without even blinking her eyes that were not dried yet.


    ¡°¡­ We need to burn it right away.¡±


    A red fire started from where she had embroidered it herself, and soon after a few seconds, gray ash bloomed. Some of the ash blown by the wind crumbled and went into Herace¡¯s eyes.


    Her cloudy blue eyes overflowed with sorrow again.


    ***


    ¡®It¡¯s worth checking.¡¯


    Anna walked carefully with her hands clasped tightly. Pacing the training ground, she was looking for someone to tell her the truth.


    ¡®My master told me to watch my mouth¡­¡¯


    ¡°John, I¡¯m not asking you anything big.¡¯¡±


    ¡°But¡­..¡±


    Herace had been seven months pregnant. With her heavy belly, she couldn¡¯t even move properly. But her gaze was focused on someone other than the struggling Duchess.


    ¡°You said she was eight months pregnant when she got here, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°¡­..¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s been over a year now¡­¡±


    ¡°Be careful. You know. The master has firmly warned you.¡±


    ¡°All right, all right, you can go now, John.¡±


    Oddly enough, Ezekiel¡¯s mistress Charlotte still hasn¡¯t had her baby. In terms of the number of months, it had already been over a year. Everyone kept their mouths shut because they were afraid of Ezekiel, but rumors spread that it was too late to give birth.


    ¡®Yes, I¡¯ve been thinking it¡¯s weird. When she got pregnant, the Lord and the Lady were on good terms.¡¯


    A year ago, no, until the Duke left for the last subjugation, the Duke and the Duchess were living happily. It was even embarrassing to admit how good the relationship was between the two of them.


    But all of a sudden, a full-term pregnant mistress appeared. If Ezekiel had ever attracted a woman at least once, there would have been a backstory, but none of those who followed him had ever said such a thing.


    Rather, they heard over and over again about a woman who was found in the barracks. How proud Anna was to hear that the woman was beaten outside on a cold day and that the knights who guarded the barracks were punished greatly. Anna couldn¡¯t be more proud of the fact that her Lady was the only one for the Lord.


    Anna, recalling Herace lying with a pale complexion, vowed to find out what was bothering her. Others used to say that the Duke was fed up with his wife, but Anna, who was closest to her, noticed something strange about Ezekiel.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if there¡¯s any misunderstanding between you two¡­¡±


    She saw Paul who was not too far away. Not long ago, he became an official knight and confessed to Anna several times that he liked her. Anna waved her hands with twinkling eyes.


    ¡°Paul!¡±


    As soon as Paul saw Anna, his face hardened and he looked away. There were signs of avoidance. He must have something to hide. When she saw it, Anna¡¯s eyes were even brighter and she quickly approached him.


    ¡°Long time no see.¡±


    ¡°Uh¡­ Yeah¡­..¡±


    ¡°What? You hate me now? You don¡¯t even want to see my face?¡±


    ¡°What? Absolutely not! Anna, how can I hate you? I¡¯m just¡­ ¡±


    ¡°Just what?¡±


    Paul¡¯s mouth shut. But he wasn¡¯t one to give up easily. She dragged Paul with her arms folded and dragged him into a corner. Paul, who was led by Anna¡¯s hand to the back of the barn near the training ground, looked around.


    ¡°What are you so scared of? Who¡¯s coming for you?¡±


    ¡°I guess you really don¡¯t like me anymore. I heard guys change their minds easily. All right, I¡¯ll go.¡±


    ¡°No! No, Anna¡­¡±


    As Anna turned around with a coy face, Paul stuttered and grabbed her arm.


    ¡°¡­What?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not like that, Anna. So, don¡¯t look like that. You know it too. How much I like you.¡±


    Paul scratched the back of his head and blushed, but Anna¡¯s face showed no sign of being appeased. With a cold expression on her face with her head turned all the way, she looked like frost in the middle of winter. In the end, the stunned Paul raised his hand.


    ¡°Anna¡­ Don¡¯t do this. What should I do? Whatever you ask, I¡¯ll¡­.¡±


    Anna raised her eyebrows as if to say she was right. She took a step closer to Paul, lifted her head and stood close to him. Paul nodded slowly, with a scruffy face, at the close distance.


    ¡°Anything? Then, answer my questions.¡±


    ¡°If I¡­ If I know¡­¡±


    ¡°Tell me about the last time you went to war with the Lord. What happened then?¡±


    At Anna¡¯s question, Paul¡¯s face stiffened. He looked elsewhere, away from Anna¡¯s eyes. He stuttered, his words failing to come out smoothly.


    ¡°Oh¡­ N-nothing happened?¡±


    ¡°Paul!¡±


    ¡°R-really! Nothing¡­ nothing happened.¡±


    As her previous methods did not seem to work, Anna changed her strategy. She asked in her most earnest voice as she held Paul¡¯s hands tightly.


    ¡°Paul, let me ask you this. You know that. How hard it is for the Duchess these days. She used to be a person with a weak body, but when that woman comes in near her ¡­ I¡¯m upset.¡±


    ¡°There seems to be a misunderstanding between the Lord and his wife¡­. Sigh.¡±


    ¡°¡­I think something must have happened during the last war¡­ From then on, you and the rest of the knights have been silent, what do you know? Please let me know even if it¡¯s a small thing. Huh?¡±


    Paul¡¯s eyes shook in hesitation. He seemed to be thinking, glancing sideways at Anna¡¯s face and then, he bowed his head.


    ¡°T-The Lord, that woman¡¯s belly¡­ her belly¡­¡±


    ¡°Shh! Shut up, Paul.¡±


    ¡°Ha, but¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­ You didn¡¯t hear anything. This never happened. Got it?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s for you. If you don¡¯t watch your mouth¡­ I can¡¯t guarantee your life.¡±


    Edgar had told him to shut his mouth no matter what, but Paul was so concerned about it. Night after night. The nightmares he suffered and the atmosphere between the knights were unbearable. He wanted to tell someone about it. He wanted to confirm what he saw. Anna¡¯s face that came before him was like a temptation. Paul¡¯s lips slowly opened.


    ¡°What happened¡­¡±


    ¡°Paul, what are you doing there?¡±


    ¡°Commander!¡±


    But as he was about to open his mouth, Edgar¡¯s voice was heard behind them.


    Surprised, Paul quickly came to his senses.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe you¡¯re away from training. Do you want to be punished?¡±


    ¡°No!¡±


    ¡°Then, go back quickly.¡±


    Paul disappeared afterwards. Anna bit her lip and made an angry face. What she wanted to know was right in front of her! In her anger, she called for Edgar.


    ¡°Sir Edgar!¡±


    Edgar appeared as if he knew that Anna would call him. He walked forward, facing Anna. With his height, he was a person who exuded pressure just by standing in front of him. But Anna looked straight into his gray eyes, not frightened at all.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°Tell me. You¡¯re always with your master, so no matter what¡­¡±


    ¡°Lady Sherbot.¡±


    Edgar cut off Anna¡¯s words by saying her last name. Anna¡¯s face changed when he mentioned Sherbot. Sherbot was one of the noble families that disappeared with the fall of Devone. Her venomous brown eyes shot Edgar a sharp look.


    ¡°Did you forget that the Duke told you to watch your mouth?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s none of your business.¡±


    ¡°This will make it more difficult for my lady. Aren¡¯t you her most cherished maid?¡±


    Anna¡¯s hand, which had been clenched tightly, loosened when Herace was mentioned. Edgar bowed briefly to pay his respects, then turned away. However, he stopped after walking a few steps. His head turned slightly and he murmured in a low voice, barely audible to Anna.


    ¡°Please take care of yourself¡­ ¡±

 CH 7

    ¡°¡­It¡¯s disgusting.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Ezekiel, are you listening to me?¡±


    At Charlotte¡¯s nerve-wracking words, Ezekiel closed the book he was reading and looked at her. Charlotte was gritting her teeth while on the bed, her hands crumpling the blankets. Her complexion was different, unlike a few months ago, and she looked somewhat unstable. She let go of the blanket and put her fingers to her mouth. However, what touched her teeth wasn¡¯t her worn-out nails, but red skin on the tips.


    ¡°Hey, what is this? Why isn¡¯t it coming out?¡±


    ¡°Why do you keep growing? How long are you going to grow? What the hell is this!¡±


    She was acting like a madwoman, screaming at her stomach. When she looked as if she was about to hit her stomach with her fist clenched, Ezekiel sighed as if he was annoyed.


    ¡°Charlotte.¡±


    Charlotte¡¯s belly, which he saw closely, was under the covers so only the shape could be perceived. There wasn¡¯t much difference in size from a few months ago, but in Charlotte¡¯s eyes, her stomach was ten times larger. As he approached her, she grabbed Ezekiel and held on to him as if he was her salvation.


    ¡°I-I¡¯m scared. I can¡¯t stand it, I¡¯m scared of this child. Something¡¯s wrong with it. It¡¯s weird.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­ ¡±


    ¡°Tell me, Ezekiel, no, Duke. What did you do to my body? What the hell is living in here?¡±


    Ezekiel had left her alone. Without kicking her out, or without hugging her. Charlotte said what she wanted to say, as if she didn¡¯t care about his attitude.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been feeling strange actually. I can¡¯t think of anything, and my head is a mess. But I know this is wrong. Don¡¯t ignore me. I know. I¡­ I am yours¡­¡­¡±


    Charlotte hesitated after she poured out her words in a hurry. If she said this, she was admitting to herself that what she¡¯d been hoping for was an illusion. But she had to know. She didn¡¯t like the strangely twisted memories and the child in her stomach, who seemed to want to eat her. She was afraid. At this rate, she felt like she was going to die. No matter how good gold is, shouldn¡¯t she be alive to enjoy it?


    Her eyes shook as she admitted to Ezekiel.


    ¡°¡­¡­We never slept together.¡±


    Looking up at Ezekiel¡¯s face, Charlotte¡¯s eyes were filled with fear. Her green eyes were dimmed by what had happened to her, and her flushed cheeks became pale.


    ¡°I-Is this child even human? Your- my child?¡±


    ¡°Stop.¡±


    Charlotte kicked and punched Ezekiel, and he immediately grabbed her by the wrist to push her away. Falling down on the bed, she jumped up and screamed in a fit of rage.


    ¡°What do you mean, stop! Yes! Let¡¯s stop! If I just put a stop to all this¡­¡±


    Ezekiel grabbed Charlotte by the neck when she said she would stop. He sternly commanded.


    ¡°Charlotte, close your eyes.¡±


    Charlotte¡¯s face contorted. But there was something irresistible about his cool gold eyes that looked down at her. As she relaxed, she blinked her eyes a few times and then closed them.


    ¡°Do you remember what I said?¡±


    ¡°¡­..¡±


    ¡°What did I say? You are¡­¡±


    Her vision was dark and she couldn¡¯t see anything, her fear doubled. However, there was something about Ezekiel¡¯s soft voice that made her mind wander.


    Charlotte opened her mouth involuntarily.


    ¡°I am this, this child¡¯s¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­..¡±


    ¡°I am this child¡¯s mother.¡±


    ¡°Well done, so what do you have?¡±


    Something was in front of her again. What she was going to have. The fear that corroded her mind just a moment ago had disappeared. Charlotte smiled and said as if she wanted it the most.


    ¡°This child is of the Duke¡¯s blood, so he will be the heir, and I am the Duchess¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°No. That¡¯s not a promise I made.¡±


    A heartless answer came back.


    ¡®No¡¯.


    Tears welled up at his firm words, like she was being trained as a dog. In her mind, Charlotte thought.


    ¡®Why? If my child is the Duke¡¯s heir, then I must be the Duchess. Why can¡¯t I be?¡¯


    It was unfair, but soon someone whispered as if to soothe her. It sounded like Ezekiel¡¯s voice. Charlotte¡¯s consciousness followed the voice.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to cry. You still have something. Now, think about it. What did this child promise to give you?¡±


    ¡°Gold, gold. It¡¯s gold. The gold that can buy anything in this world¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes. You will have gold as promised. It will be twice your weight.¡±


    Gold. Of course, gold was good too. If she had gold, she wouldn¡¯t have to live as she used to. But what she wanted the most is¡­


    Duchess. She wanted to take the seat next to Ezekiel. By his side, she would have everything in her hands, not just gold. Her child will be the heir, so of course she¡¯d have to be the Duchess.


    ¡®This man, this castle, the gold, everything belongs to me. It¡¯s mine!¡¯


    ¡°Ha, but¡­¡±


    ¡°Stop, no more than that. You need to know your place.¡±


    Charlotte tried to demand more, but his stern voice did not permit her. Why couldn¡¯t she! Charlotte wanted to complain, but she couldn¡¯t speak. It seemed that if she continued with her protests, even the gold would be taken away.


    In the end, Charlotte bowed her head without a reply. Then, someone laid her slowly on the bed.


    ¡°Stop and sleep. The child who will give you gold is tired.¡±


    Charlotte closed her eyes. Yes. She had to sleep. She needed to get enough sleep for her child to grow up safely. Forget everything¡­¡­. Slowly, her consciousness became clouded, and the faint sound of exhaled sigh waa heard.


    The devil of indolence completely obscured her eyes. Soon, Charlotte fell asleep, leaving everything behind.


    As soon as she fell asleep, Ezekiel rose up from his seat. His face distorted when he saw the woman¡¯s swollen stomach. There was fire in the words he spit out.


    ¡°¡­.When the hell are you going to crawl out?¡±


    **********


    Now it was difficult even to comb her hair alone. Herace brushed her long hair and looked in the mirror. A woman with a pallid complexion, holding a comb made of cedar wood, and a face full of sorrow stared back at her.


    ¡®I didn¡¯t even have a bite¡­¡¯


    Anyone could tell that she was not healthy. She wanted to look good to ease Anna¡¯s worries, but it didn¡¯t go as planned. She was out of breath even when she stayed still.


    Fortunately, the nausea stopped at some point. The child constantly asked for something as if to supplement nutrients, even when it was late. Herace felt sorry for the child and reached out whenever there was food she was craving for. Anna joked over and over that the chef was so happy he could fly away.


    ¡®Ezekiel¡­¡¯


    As she sat alone quietly and stroked her stomach, she naturally thought of the child¡¯s father. After working at a separate building a few months ago, Herace had barely seen Ezekiel¡¯s face. There was a reason she refrained from going out, but it was also largely because he was always with Charlotte, unless he was in his study or office.


    ¡°It¡¯s been over a year since she got pregnant¡­¡±


    Even Herace knew the hideous rumor about Charlotte. Having been pregnant for more than a year, she used to scream several times a day and had apparently become overly sensitive. Herace would flinch at the sound, then tremble as she heard the footsteps heading towards Charlotte¡¯s room. She could tell just by listening. To whom the owner of the footsteps belonged.


    With the sound of the door closing, the woman¡¯s screams would soon subside. After a few hours, the footsteps that had disappeared will be heard again.


    How did he comfort his lover in such a short period of time? What kind of words would stop that high-pitched scream in just a moment? Did he put his ear to her belly and whisper sweet nothings? Or did he read children¡¯s books to his child?


    Whenever Ezekiel¡¯s steps drew nearer, she would pause for a moment and look at the door. Even though she clearly knew that his love and concern for her was gone, hope crept up like a persistent weed.


    But the door rarely opened. Looking at the tightly closed door, Herace would fiddle with her hands. As if she was trying to forget the deeply ingrained disappointment.


    ¡°¡­¡­I wish you¡¯d come to see us at least once.¡±


    [T/N: Please, somebody save our girl¡­]


    Herace whispered to the child, as she put down the comb, closed her eyes and hugged her belly. She couldn¡¯t even confide in Anna. As a mother, she seemed to be fooling around with an unborn child, so she was embarrassed, but she could only be honest with the child.


    ¡°Who did you want to come?¡±


    Herace was startled by the sudden voice and raised her head. She saw Ezekiel near the dressing table standing next to the bed, looking at her. He melted into a dark shadow and only his eyes gleamed.


    ¡°What brings you here?¡±


    Wet silver hair, soft skin, and the gentle smell oozing out of the man¡¯s body showed that he had just washed up. Herace blamed herself for not noticing Ezekiel while he was getting so close, and bit her lip thinking that he had heard her a moment ago.


    ¡°Just. To see your room.¡±


    Fortunately, Ezekiel didn¡¯t hold onto Herace¡¯s words. He shook his head and approached her as Herace tried to get up from the dressing table, blushing with embarrassment.


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you sleeping when it¡¯s late?¡±


    The scent of the man whom she thought was subtle immediately deepened. He bent down and buried his nose in Herace¡¯s exposed neck. Herace opened her eyes wide at the sudden contact, but her body relaxed soon as if she was used to it. It had been a while, but up until a year ago, he would often bury his face in Herace¡¯s neck.


    ¡°Then, why are you awake until this late?¡±


    ¡°¡­To comfort Charlotte.¡±


    The name of the mistress came out of the man¡¯s mouth nonchalantly. As if he was accustomed to calling her name, no sign of unfamiliarity in that voice. Herace looked sadly at Ezekiel, who said the mistress¡¯ name while rubbing his lips against her neck. Seeing her reflection in the mirror, she quickly changed her expression.

 CH 8

    Lots of love to Nawara! Thank you so much for your support. Here¡¯s 1 / 3.


    ***Warning: Attempted marital r*pe


    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s because she¡¯s not feeling well, but I haven¡¯t been able to sleep much lately. Thanks to her, I¡¯m wide awake.¡±


    Ah¡­ He was tired because of that woman. The man, who let out a long sigh as he spoke, looked comfortable, unlike her. Herace somehow managed to answer, pressing her heavy heart down, ¡°¡­It¡¯s a pity.¡±


    At Herace¡¯s words, Ezekiel widened his eyes. His brow wrinkled and eyes slightly narrowed. He opened his mouth as he looked at Herace in the mirror. It was a dark room, so his figure looked more manly than usual, and his red lips stood out.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°What are you sad about? Is it a pity for your husband who can¡¯t rest comfortably, or a pity for your husband¡¯s mistress who is struggling with pregnancy?¡±


    His large hand wrapped around Herace¡¯s waist. Herace took a deep breath as her husband¡¯s hand touched her round belly for the first time.


    At first glance, his behavior seemed friendly, but Herace was strangely terrified. It seemed that he would harm her and the child at any moment. Herace, unable to make eye contact with him, lowered her eyes and said monotonously.


    ¡°She screamed a lot, so please stay by her side often. When pregnant and in pain, the husband should¡­¡±


    But she couldn¡¯t finish her words. She couldn¡¯t even spit out the word ¡®husband¡¯. He was her husband. Not the mistress¡¯.


    As Herace spoke those words, Ezekiel fiddled with her lips. His long fingers gently touched the insides of her moist lips and her teeth.


    ¡°Why did you stop talking?¡±


    ¡°¡­..¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re amazing.¡±


    ¡°¡­..¡±


    ¡°A wife who asks her husband to stay with his mistress often is also rare in the frivolous Eastern countryside. I did a great job of taking you in as my wife. Don¡¯t you think so?¡±


    His tone was dry, and full of sarcasm. Herace peeked at her husband through the mirror, still unable to make eye contact. He was still playing with Herace¡¯s lips with his hands.


    ¡°One side is so talkative that I feel concerned, and the other side doesn¡¯t talk much.¡±


    ¡°¡­..¡±


    ¡°Do you have nothing to say to me?¡±


    The strange sensation was shameful, but after letting him do what he was doing for a while, she took the man¡¯s hand and lowered it slowly, as if she had made up her mind to do something. She opened her mouth with courage and faced him through the mirror.


    ¡°¡­There is.¡±


    ¡°¡­..¡±


    ¡°I have something to tell you..¡±


    Ezekiel looked at Herace silently. Herace swallowed and slowly spoke.


    ¡°The child¡­ I mean, o-our child. He¡¯ll be born soon. Did you know that?¡±


    The child. It was a topic that she had not dared to talk about for several months. From the day he announced that he would adopt the child of the mistress and make him his successor, Herace did not dare speak of the subject again. She was afraid to hear the same answer from him, and she was at a loss for him who was not interested in their child.


    ¡°¡­Do I look stupid? I know your child in your womb is over 8 months old.¡±


    She purposely used the word ¡°our¡±, but what came back was a word that only referred to her. As her bleak reality was desperately felt, Herace¡¯s expression became miserable as if it were about to collapse. She took the man¡¯s hand with both her hands and called his name as she pleaded with him.


    ¡°Ezekiel.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Are you really going to give her child the rights to succession?¡±


    The child of the mistress is also his child, so there was no excuse for Herace to say anything to Ezekiel. She might have been different if it had been an ordinary marriage, but as he said, her condition was nothing more than a bounty given by the emperor. She is where she is now because of the love they once had, but with a single word from him, she might be thrown away and crumble like a leaf in the cold winter.


    It was a brutal reality, but over the past few months, Herace had been pondering her situation and tried to think as rationally as possible.


    ¡°Can¡¯t you reconsider? As you say, I¡¯m¡­ I¡¯m not good enough, but I¡¯m your legitimate wife.¡±


    The conclusion, of course, was stark. There was nothing she could do other than to beg Ezekiel for her child. She had to lay down at his feet like a slave to secure the child¡¯s future. She didn¡¯t know when he loved her, but now that she¡¯s his wife, she was no better than a mistress.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t accept this child as your successor, our child will suffer because of me. You know. I¡­..¡±


    ¡°What about you?¡±


    ¡°¡­It is as you say. As a sinner¡¯s daughter with an ambiguous identity, I¡¯m not helping my child¡¯s future. So you, the child¡¯s father, have to help this child.¡±


    Herace¡¯s pale cheeks touched Ezekiel¡¯s hand. She rubbed her own cheek with his hand, pleading for his affection. Please¡­


    ¡°Ezekiel, please protect our child. Please.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°If you give my child an honorable future, I won¡¯t ask for anything more. I¡¯ll do whatever you tell me to do. If you want me to be quiet, I can do that. If you tell me not to leave the room, that¡¯s fine too. I swear I won¡¯t be noticed by you or her. But the child is innocent. If this childtis criticized because of me, I won¡¯t be able to bear it.¡±


    A few drops of tears wet Ezekiel¡¯s hands. The mother¡¯s sobbing for her child was desperate. But the stone-hearted man pulled his hand away as if to shake off Herace. He then spoke in a heavy voice with his face contorted.


    ¡°You¡¯re so selfish.¡±


    At Ezekiel¡¯s response, Herace made a strange face. He looked down at Herace and wrinkled his brows deeper as if he was tired.


    ¡°So, what about Charlotte¡¯s child? You don¡¯t care if he doesn¡¯t have honor?¡±


    Herace looked blank at Ezekiel¡¯s words. That woman¡¯s child¡­ she had never thought about it. No, she didn¡¯t do it on purpose.


    She had a good intention even if it was selfish. But wasn¡¯t it normal? For Herace, the child in her womb was, of course, more important than the child born to her husband¡¯s mistress. But when she saw her husband¡¯s contorted face, she felt shame for an unknown reason.


    Her husband, Ezekiel, was an illegitimate child. Because of this, he suffered a lot. When she played in this castle with Charles as a child, he would stand and watch her and Charles from afar. The Duchess, who was nothing but an angel to her, was so vicious to Ezekiel that Herace felt pity for him who was only three years older than her but still knew nothing at such a young age.


    ¡®¡­..It must be painful.¡¯


    He must have made such a face because he had experienced it. A child born from the womb of a woman he loved, to be born an illegitimate child like himself. It must have been agonizing.


    ¡°I think your child doesn¡¯t have to be an heir. It may be a problem for you, but as long as you, the mother, is the Duchess, the child will grow up in the legitimate lineage of Serpence. On the other hand, Charlotte is denounced because of you taking her place. So, isn¡¯t it right for you and the child in your womb to give up the seat of the successor?¡±


    [T/N: Anybody got some BP meds out there?]


    There was no room to contradict him. Herace wanted to refute Ezekiel¡¯s words, but she only shuddered at the rising sense of shame and couldn¡¯t oppose.


    Ezekiel¡¯s every word hurt her. Especially when he told her that she was taking the Duchess position. Herace felt something sinking within her heart. It was clear what he meant.


    I¡¯ve already given you more than enough, so don¡¯t ask for anything more.


    Herace lowered her head. Tears were streaming down her face. Will he show mercy to the child if she gives up her seat next to him? That thought occurred to her, but she could not say that she would easily relinquish the title of Duchess. She didn¡¯t even have any guarantees that Ezekiel would give her child rights to succession just because she was going to let go of her position, and he was not inclined to do so.


    For the sake of the child, she had to speak out, but her mouth wouldn¡¯t open. She still loved Ezekiel. That¡¯s why Herace couldn¡¯t even tell Ezekiel that she would give up the position next to him.


    In the end, Herace, who could not do anything, continued to shed tears. Her rich dark hair scattered along the slender neckline. A dripping stream of water soaked her chest and swollen stomach.


    Ezekiel stood still as he watched his weeping wife. From day one, his wife had always shed tears in front of him in the most pitiful and pathetic way. So he couldn¡¯t stand not touching her. She cried like that.


    Ezekiel grabbed her small face and lifted it up. It was easier for him to deal with his powerless wife than to steal candy from a child. The corners of her red eyes, irritated by crying, irritated him. He gently stroked his wife¡¯s cheek as if he was comforting a child.


    Herace didn¡¯t react much. Even though her head was lifted up and her neck hurt, she kept her eyelids down and avoided his gaze as much as possible. Ezekiel was unhappy with that, and couldn¡¯t stand it. He rubbed the corners of his wife¡¯s creased eyes, barely holding back his ferocious temper, and gave a sullen smile.


    ¡°¡­ It¡¯s too early to give up.¡±


    ¡°Herace, it¡¯s true that you¡¯re at rock bottom, but¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­..¡±


    ¡°My wife still has a knack for motivating men.¡±


    There was no noble Duke of Serpence in this place. His eyes, drenched in desire, thoroughly dug into Herace as if he was going to eat her at any moment.


    ¡°If it¡¯s really for the child, do something yourself. Move and change my mind. Then you never know, I might come back to you and give you what you want.¡±


    She knew what he was talking about just by looking at his eyes. Herace shook her head trembling. She hated it. She didn¡¯t like that kind of relationship. Seducing him with her body was terrible.


    ¡°Why? Can¡¯t you even do that?¡±


    The man¡¯s grip became stronger as Herace shook her head. He pressed her cheeks and her mouth naturally opened.


    As soon as her white teeth were exposed, Ezekiel rushed in. Herace shook her head vigorously from side to side, but as if caught in a trap, she couldn¡¯t get out of it.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want it! No¡­ Ugh!¡±


    Ezekiel forced Herace and pulled her towards him. He bent her back, pressed down on her lips and inserted his tongue. At the wild, violent kiss, Herace clenched her teeth and let out a small scream.


    Blood splattered from the man¡¯s lips. It was Herace who bit him, but it was her who was surprised at the red blood. Herace took a look at her husband as if she was wary of him, breathing heavily. He, who wiped the blood with the back of his hand, stared at Herace with a murderous expression.


    (E/N: EXCUSE ME WHATTTTT did he just-)

 CH 9

    When the man reached out his hand again, Herace leaned back as if trying to run away. But only her lips escaped, her face was still in his hands. Herace groaned while trembling and begging him to let her go.


    ¡°No, no, no. Please¡­.¡±


    ¡°¡­Open your mouth, Herace.¡±


    Herace knew better than anyone that a lot had changed in her relationship with him over the past few months. He was the one who became cold. He was the one who told her that she should not be noticed. So, why on earth was this happening?


    She was afraid of his eyes that were boiling with heat. Herace struggled, trying to get away somehow. Her white feet slammed against the dressing table, and her tiny fists hit Ezekiel¡¯s shoulder. But even her slight resistance did not last long.


    ¡°Aaahh!¡±


    There was an intense pain on her back which felt like it was about to break. The pain seemed like someone was cutting through her gut with a sword.


    Ezekiel also let go of her hand and looked at Herace as if he realized something was wrong. Herace looked down, even though she was dizzy. Something damp made her seat look ominous.


    The white chair was slowly turning red with blood. As soon as she saw the dark blood with her own eyes, a fishy smell came up. Her blue eyes trembled with fear.


    ¡°Herace! Is there anyone out there? Herace!¡±


    The man¡¯s roar buzzed in her ears. As Ezekiel lifted Herace, she could hear the footsteps of many people.


    ¡°Baby¡­¡±


    However, Herace¡¯s vision blurred and the last thing she saw was her husband¡¯s pale face.


    Part 2 ¨C Child


    It was premature. Herace gave birth to a boy less than nine months old.


    The child, who failed to fill the total number of months, had a weak cry. As he breathed out, he looked like he was going to leave the world soon. He was only able to breathe properly after the doctor stepped in.


    ¡®Oh¡­ baby¡­ my baby¡­¡¯


    Herace, who was close to fainting, finally lost consciousness once she knew that the child had been born. She opened her eyes again three days after giving birth.


    Anna had lost weight and was thin, having suffered the past few days. As she burst into tears, she didn¡¯t bother wiping her tears or runny nose, and just held Herace¡¯s hand tightly.


    ¡°Anna, don¡¯t cry¡­ show me the child. My child is healthy, right?¡±


    The child Herace gave birth to could not be said to be healthy. But Anna nodded her head vigorously and smiled. She approached the midwife and carefully received the child. When the child, wrapped in a white cloth approached, Herace raised her head up and tried to see the child as soon as possible.


    ¡°Baby¡­..¡±


    The child who was sleeping, babbled, albeit faintly. She hugged the baby in a sullen manner, but the child did not show any objection to her, it seemed to have instinctively recognized her as his mother. Tears welled up in Herace¡¯s eyes when she saw the child for the first time.


    [T/N: We are referring to the baby as ¡°it¡± in some parts because she doesn¡¯t know that he¡¯s a boy. Yet.]


    A child who did not reach full term, but still stayed in her womb for a long time. Herace felt sorry and guilt-stricken at the small hand of her child, blaming herself.


    ¡°Small. It¡¯s too small¡­. Hnn.¡±


    She couldn¡¯t even shed tears in fear that it would affect her child. Herace held out the child to Anna. Instead of accepting the child, Anna wiped Herace¡¯s tears with a clean handkerchief and adjusted her position so that she could see the child more comfortably.


    The child¡¯s hair was black resembling Herace. She wasn¡¯t quite sure yet, but it¡¯s particularly fair skin and overall face seemed to resemble her.


    ¡®What about his eyes?¡¯


    Herace looked at her child¡¯s features, and thought of what color her child¡¯s eyes might be, behind its tightly clenched eyelids.


    ¡°The young master looks just like the Madam. I thought he might have gotten your eyes as well.¡±


    The gentle-looking midwife spoke in a warm voice, as if she knew what Herace was curious about. But Herace was more surprised by her other words than the answer to her question.


    ¡°It¡¯s not a girl?¡±


    ¡°Oh, where has my mind gone¡­My Lady¡­ No, Madam. He¡¯s a boy. He¡¯s pretty, but he¡¯s a young master.¡±


    At Anna¡¯s words, Herace looked at the child curiously. He was so beautiful and small that she mistakenly thought he was a girl. Even his small nose and round lips were enough to make her believe it.


    Her emotions soared again as she looked at her child. A doctor approached, seeing the tears rising in Herace¡¯s eyes. He also looked very tired and he seemed to have been struggling for a few days. However, around his exhausted eyes was a sense of pride that he saved the child. The doctor spoke anxiously to Herace, beckoning Anna and the midwife.


    ¡°The madam should also get enough rest.¡±


    Anna, who took the child from Herace, handed it to the midwife. The midwife hugged the child as if she were familiar with him and brought the child to the adjoining room right next to hers.


    Herace followed her movement until the child disappeared, and stared at the door for a long time after it closed. Anna shook her head looking at Herace and laid her on the bed with her firm hand.


    When Herace laid down, the doctor and other maids bowed and left the room. Anna closed the curtains and looked at the fireplace.


    Anna shuffled the flaming firewood a couple of times before turning around. Herace was still looking at the door where her child had disappeared with sorrowful eyes. Anna sighed and walked over to her Lady, covering her with a blanket and nagging her.


    ¡°You heard the doctor. You should get enough rest. Get some sleep for now and I¡¯ll bring him back when you wake up.¡±


    Herace softly nodded at Anna¡¯s words. With her head clear and at ease, she blinked slowly and looked at Anna as if she had something in mind.


    ¡°Yes, yes, but Anna¡­¡±


    Her voice was full of concern as she hesitated. Anna looked at Herace with a curious expression.


    ¡°¡­ What about him?¡±


    At Herace¡¯s question, Anna¡¯s face hardened a little. The question had clear expectations. Sure enough, Herace again asked Anna for an answer.


    ¡°When did he leave? I clearly saw him next to me¡­¡±


    Herace remembered Ezekiel, who was by her side. She fainted several times, so all her memories were not clear, but he was clearly there in the moments she remembered. He would mutter as he wiped Herace¡¯s cold sweat. Herace had never seen his face so pale in his life.


    ¡°¡­The Duke had to do something, so he left in the middle.¡±


    ¡°Work?¡±


    So, although Herace was a little disappointed at Anna¡¯s words, she didn¡¯t resent him. She clearly saw it herself. The worry in his eyes¡­ She would have been happier if he had been by her side when she woke up, but he¡¯s a busy man. Seeing that he still hadn¡¯t come, something must have happened that he couldn¡¯t leave.


    ¡°Was it urgent? If he¡¯s going to the subjugation again, I¡¯ll have to ask him to hug the child before he leaves. He may not be able to come back soon once he leaves.¡±


    ¡°No, it wasn¡¯t.¡±


    When Herace smiled and talked as if she understood, Anna couldn¡¯t bear to cut off her Lady¡¯s words and stop her. Her eyes filled with resentment were looking at the floor, and felt sorry for Herace. Anna had a hard time opening her mouth.


    ¡°¡­¡­That woman gave birth. The same day as you.¡±


    Thud.


    She felt her heart sink. Herace opened her eyes wide and stared above her. Anna tightly closed her eyes. Anna slowly opened her eyes and Held Herace¡¯s hand, who was dazed in shock.


    ¡°¡­¡­good for her, after all that trouble.¡±


    After a long silence, Herace spoke. Her forced laugh was full of hidden sadness.


    Didn¡¯t she already expect this? It was something that would¡¯ve happened one day. It wasn¡¯t too strange for a woman who was much more bloated than Herace to have a baby first. The timing was a bit odd, but she couldn¡¯t blame the woman. It¡¯s not like she wanted to have a baby on the same day as her.


    ¡°What do you mean by ¡®good¡¯ ! While my lady was fainting, she took the Master away saying she was having a baby!¡±


    ¡°¡­..¡±


    ¡°The Master was also too nice. My lady was suffering¡­ but he still went to that woman right away.¡±


    When she found out the truth, despair came over her.


    ¡®I see. You went to her.¡¯


    The missing husband went to his lover instead of staying with her. After all, as he only had one body, it was only right that he went to the one who was more important to him. However, despite understanding, her gloomy mood couldn¡¯t be lifted. Her heart pounded as if she had reconfirmed that his love had left.


    ¡°She is a really mean woman. What kind of grudge did she have with you! Because of that woman, even the young master¡­¡±


    ¡°What about my child? What¡¯s going on?¡±


    Herace, who quietly nodded and accepted, quickly asked when her child was mentioned. She didn¡¯t know anything else, but she was nervous for her child. When Herace tried to lower the blanket and pulled herself up, Anna quickly stopped her.


    ¡°Calm down, my lady. Nothing happened. It¡¯s just¡­ ¡°


    ¡°Just?¡±


    ¡°Her child was born a few hours earlier. And the master¡­ ¡°


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­her child was announced as his first child in front of the people.¡±


    Her body lost strength.


    First child.


    The meaning of that word was quite great.


    Nobility did not readily recognize illegitimate children. Even if an illegitimate child was loved and acknowledged, it was rare to pass the family name to an illegitimate child unless the line of succession was cut off.


    However, Ezekiel officially announced an illegitimate child born from the womb of his mistress. This meant that he recognized the child as his, and officially expressed his intention to hand down his last name. Besides, it was his first child. In aristocratic families, the succession of the eldest son was common. Therefore, Ezekiel¡¯s words were intended to empower a particular child in the race for succession.


    This was Ezekiel¡¯s way of firmly ignoring Herace and treating her as an incompetent person. His rightful wife, Herace, was not infertile, she even had a child, a boy at that. If this happened in an ordinary family, the wife could file a lawsuit against this problem.


    But Herace couldn¡¯t dare file a lawsuit against him. She neither had family nor friends to help her. Moreover, she wouldn¡¯t even be a noblewoman if the precarious title of Duchess Serpence, which rested entirely in Ezekiel¡¯s hands, were to disappear. And in that case, the lawsuit will be null and void. A criminal like her would not be able to bring a lawsuit against him, a great noble¡­

 CH 10

    Furthermore, if Ezekiel turned away from their child, the situation would become more complicated. She hated to even imagine it, but the child from her womb could be associated as the blood of sinners. As was the case with Charles, the son of Princess Ulysse and Herace¡¯s former fianc¨¦.


    Treason was terrifying. If caught, not only one¡¯s self but also the most precious people around that person would be imprisoned and put through hell. So, no one easily dreamt of it.


    ¡°He¡¯s really mean. Ugh¡­ The Master doesn¡¯t even look at you or hug you¡­ What¡¯s the big deal with an illegitimate child!¡±


    ¡°¡­ Anna, you shouldn¡¯t be saying things like that.¡±


    Herace comforted Anna who cried on her lap, and quietly endured what had befallen her. If Ezekiel said so, then it shall be that way. She had no power nor justification to stop him.


    Suddenly, she wanted to see her child again. Maybe it was because the child in her womb had come out to the world, but she felt empty.


    Would this misery and loneliness be a little less if she held that small body? Herace looked at the door where the child was, and quietly closed her eyes.


    Ezekiel named his first son Miguel, whom Charlotte had birthed. It was a name with the explicit meaning of predestined glory.


    Of course, Miguel was not fully named as the successor. However, despite being an illegitimate child with a mistress for a mother, the child was given an Induction Ceremony by Knights under the glorious name. People were whispering about the child¡¯s excessively good treatment, but they all closed their mouths in front of the Duke and the child, who looked just like him.


    ¡°Although his mother is of humble origin, the child who resembles the duke is Master Miguel.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s rare to have such a hair color¡­ And in the future, Duke Serpence may become known for their silver hair, not red.¡±


    ¡°The Duke was also affectionate to the one who resembles him. Hah, even I would be more interested in the child who resembled me more than the one who doesn¡¯t look like me at all.¡±


    [T/N: What kind of people are you?!]


    Unlike Herace¡¯s son, who resembled her, Miguel was like his father, Ezekiel. He had Ezekiel¡¯s silver hair and eyes that shone like gold. When Ezekiel held Miguel, everyone said that they looked exactly alike.


    ¡°Your name is Erzen.¡±


    In this situation, Herace¡¯s child was given a common name, Erzen. Even the people in the castle looked at Herace with sympathy. The name was received a week after he was born and was thrown at them just like that. But not everyone felt sorry for her.


    ¡°Now, that¡¯s good, she¡¯s the daughter of a traitor.¡±


    ¡°It seems like yesterday when she was so proud of being loved by the Duke, but justice is alive after all.¡±


    Some of the people who were looking forward to the fall of Herace flashed their eyes to drive her out as the Duke¡¯s affection had cooled. They openly talked about her, the blood of a family that collapsed due to treason, saying that she was unfit to be the Duchess Serpence. If it were in the past, Ezekiel would have taken the lead in cutting their tongues and slicing their throats, but he was silent on the rumors as if he had let people know his changed mind.


    Day by day, less people attacked Herace. Although Charlotte had given birth to a child, she did not go to the annex and just stayed with Miguel in the room next to the Duke¡¯s study. Ezekiel made a room for both of them.


    Charlotte strutted around the castle. Unlike before, the people politely bowed to her. She was no longer a mistress of humble origins. She was the Duke¡¯s favored lover, who bore the son closest to being the heir.


    As if confirming Ezekiel¡¯s preference for Charlotte, three nannies were hired to help raise Miguel. But Erzen only had one nanny. Herace was delighted that she had more time to care of her own child, but the people around her saw it differently. They thought that Ezekiel was disrespecting Herace, and gradually became cold-hearted as if to obey their Master¡¯s wishes.


    Still, Herace was fine. Neither her husband¡¯s footsteps, which did not reach her room, nor the ignorance of the people could take her happiness away from her. As if unaware of the worsening situation, she smiled a lot more than before. All thanks to the presence of her son Erzen.


    ¡°Erzen, my baby¡­¡±


    ¡°My lady is so¡­ Do you really like the Master that much?¡±


    ¡°Yes, he¡¯s so pretty. How did I get to have a child like this?¡±


    ¡°Since he resembles the Lady, I would say that there¡¯s nothing to worry about. His eyes are so big and his skin is fair and smooth¡­ Except for the star-shaped mole on the side, he was born with flawless skin.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s pretty, too. Our Erzen was born with a star¡¯s kiss.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not a big deal, but we need to have it checked. Grandpa Luther, the gardener, said that some of the unusually shaped moles are harmful.¡±


    ¡°Really? Come to think of it, Anna, where have I seen this kind of mole?¡­¡±


    ¡°This shape? Where?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ I don¡¯t remember at the moment. We¡¯ll have to call a doctor later to see if it¡¯s okay. Can you tell him to stop by our room?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll tell him to stop by.¡±


    Herace devoted all her heart to her son. Just looking at Erzen¡¯s face made her happy.


    In a room that was cut off from people, Herace spent all day with her son and learned many things from his nanny. From changing a baby¡¯s diaper to a comfortable hugging position. Every single learning experience could not have been more pleasant.


    ¡°My baby, Erzen. All I need is you.¡±


    Herace lost track of time. She was able to tolerate the weakened state of her body after giving birth since she was always happy, from morning to night.


    But the joy of having a child was so intoxicating that Herace didn¡¯t notice the threat approaching.


    ¡°M-Madam.¡±


    It was just two months after Erzen was born. On a calm afternoon, someone found her while she was breastfeeding her son.


    Bang.


    Herace, startled by the open door that seemed to have been broken, hid Erzen in her arms, not even thinking of fixing her shirt that was lifted. Erzen burst into tears at his mother¡¯s sudden action.


    It was her husband whom she had been trying to forget. The man must have been so angry, he had a vicious expression. He glared at Herace, and ordered in a low voice.


    ¡°Everyone get out.¡±


    Ezekiel, who sent out the others, scanned the room.


    His wife¡¯s room, where he hadn¡¯t come for a long time, had noticeably changed. The sunniest room in the castle was as cozy as Herace¡¯s character, but there was something monotonous about it.


    It was always warm and clean.


    Ezekiel always felt that way when he entered Herace¡¯s room. But today was different. His wife¡¯s room did not look like what he was accustomed to.


    The room was messy compared to the time it was neatly organized. It was littered with baby items and small toys were rolling on the floor. Not only that, there was a small cradle next to the bed the couple was using, and a small mat spread out on the left side of the bed where he used to lie. With the changed atmosphere that was scratching on his nerves, Ezekiel¡¯s judgment became twisted when he saw the thing that dared to take his place.


    [T/N: Really Ezekiel? Really? Jealous of your own child?]


    He knew who the owner of the mat was without asking. A cloth that was too small for an adult was for the child. Ezekiel¡¯s gaze turned to the child in Herace¡¯s arms. The child, almost buried in his wife¡¯s chest, seemed to have been very startled, and was crying uncontrollably. His wife was busy soothing the crying child without even turning her head towards him.


    Herace patted Erzen¡¯s back and stroked the child¡¯s head incessantly. With her slender hands, she gently stroked her child and sweetly kissed him on the forehead. But at that sight, Ezekiel looked terrifying.


    ¡°Herace.¡±


    Ezekiel gloomily called his wife. Herace¡¯s gaze briefly turned to him then went away. She focused on her child as if the child was more important than her husband who called for her. Erzen giggled at his mother¡¯s soothing and slowly stopped crying.


    It was time for her to carefully wipe Erzen¡¯s face. Ezekiel, unable to stand the silence, approached her. As she was comforting her child, Herace lifted her eyes and spoke to the man, in a cold voice, ¡°Erzen was surprised.¡±


    Even with her cold tone, Ezekiel¡¯s stare did not falter. He looked down at Herace tenaciously. As his stare continued, Herace noticed that her top was ruffled. She struggled to tidy up her clothes, holding Erzen in one of her arms.


    ¡°¡­¡­ He¡¯s a weak child. It¡¯s not good to cry.¡±


    Embarrassed, Herace replied in a more relaxed voice. She glanced over her husband carefully as she tugged at the cloth that was wrapping her child.


    When Erzen saw his father for the first time, his eyes blinked a couple of times. Ezekiel was clearly captured in his blue eyes that looked just like Herace¡¯s. Herace smiled softly towards her docile son and brought her finger to her child¡¯s lips. The appearance of the smiling mother was warm enough to make anyone smile.


    ¡°Welcome. Erzen must have wanted to see his father too¡­¡±


    Herace, who played with Erzen, said with a relaxed expression. There was a bit of regret in her words, but that was natural for Herace.


    Ezekiel looked for Miguel, his first child, quite often, but he didn¡¯t even look for Erzen, let alone go see him. Every time she heard from others that Miguel was hugged by Ezekiel, Herace was deeply saddened. Although their mothers were different, Erzen is also his child. As Herace demanded, he pushed Erzen towards Ezekiel.


    ¡°Give him a hug. Erzen is a good boy, so he will be calm in your arms.¡±


    ¡°Put it away.¡±


    The cold words betrayed Herace¡¯s expectations. Ezekiel pushed Erzen away as if he was a useless object. The child rejected by his father flinched, then burst into tears again. The astonished Herace took her son into her arms and made an angry face.


    ¡°What are you doing!¡±


    It was awkward seeing her furrowed eyebrows. Herace rarely got angry. But the child¡¯s father was expressionless even after doing something so cruel. He spoke calmly and reached out to Erzen while looking at his wife.


    ¡°So? You must have misunderstood something Herace, but I¡¯m not here to see the child.¡±


    Ezekiel snatched Erzen away from Herace¡¯s arms. There was no affection nor consideration in the way he treated the child. It was as if he was dealing with something troublesome.


    ¡°What, what are you doing!¡±


    A confused Herace reached out to get her son back, but Ezekiel easily avoided her. Erzen, shaken from side to side in his father¡¯s arms, cried with all his might. At her child¡¯s cries, Herace¡¯s face turned pale.

 CH 11

    Warning: I wasn¡¯t sure what sort of warning I should put here. It¡¯s¡­ It¡¯s just a lot of abuse. It¡¯s really bad. FL, please run away.


    ¡°Give me! Give me my son!¡±


    Her high-pitched voice sounded like a scream. Herace was distracted by Erzen¡¯s crying. She was worried about the shaking child and seemed to go crazy. He was still weak. The doctor said it was enough for him to eat well and sleep well, but she couldn¡¯t calm her mother¡¯s heart so easily.


    Whenever Erzen frowned, her heart would sink. When her child cried, it felt like her heart was being stabbed. But right now, to such a child¡­ her precious heart was being shaken by her husband uncontrollably.


    ¡°Ezekiel! Don¡¯t do this. Why are you doing this!?¡±


    Unable to overcome her husband¡¯s power, she clung to the man¡¯s arm. Her pale hands kept trying to reach the child. However, the only thing that touched her fingertips was his arm or empty space.


    ¡°Ezekiel, talk to me. Let¡¯s put Erzen down and¡­ Aahh!


    Ezekael, who firmly pushed away Herace, walked towards the door with the child. Herace tried to get up and ran to Ezekiel, somehow lifting her body against the wall. He opened the door without difficulty while holding Herace back with one hand.


    ¡°Take it.¡±


    The people, whose eyes were startled by the sound they heard from inside, bowed their heads at the terrifying face of their Master. One of the maids near him, gently took Erzen. He was still crying as they walked away. The castle¡¯s hallway was filled with the child¡¯s cries.


    ¡°Erzen! Erzen!¡±


    The mother, who had been separated from her son, cried out calling the child¡¯s name. But the man, the father of the child and her husband, was heartless. He turned around and grabbed Herace¡¯s shoulder and at the same time slammed the door shut.


    ¡°Erzen¡­ Hnnn.¡±


    Ezekiel didn¡¯t let go until Herace almost collapsed in exhaustion. As she was held by him and pushed up against the wall, she struggled and cried until she almost fainted, then slid her back against her wall.


    ¡°It¡¯s hard to even talk to you.¡±


    Ezekiel forced Herace to stand up and threw her onto the couch. Unable to hold her body back, Herace limped while staring at him with venomous eyes.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to look at me like that. I sent the child out to talk to you alone. When you¡¯re done, you can pick up your child.¡±


    ¡°Erzen is just a little baby. If you wanted a conversation, you didn¡¯t have to send him out like that. It¡¯s dangerous! You can¡¯t treat a baby like that. But Ezekiel, you¡­ you really¡­¡±


    Herace, who was devastated by his attitude towards Erzen, cried. But Ezekiel pretended not to hear her and didn¡¯t respond. Instead, he rummaged through his pocket and tossed something towards Herace. A small, shiny, reflective object fell onto Herace¡¯s dress as she sat.


    ¡°Do you know what this is?¡±


    The object Ezekiel threw was a small gold ring. Herace, who recognized the ring, looked up at Ezekiel, forgetting her sorrow. Ezekiel had a face that seemed to ask why it was there.


    ¡°Fortunately, you seem to recognize it.¡±


    The ring was not an ordinary ring. The handiwork was so detailed that the ring was made of gold without a single gem, but there was one reason why it was well-known.


    The ring was not only precious because it was a work of art. The most beautiful gold ring in the world was the treasure of the Duke Serpence. Those who have been Dukes for generations, presented the ring to their wives. Thanks to this, there was a saying in the Duchy of Serpence, the wife must have this ring to be a true Duchess.


    ¡°Then, can you explain why it left the castle?¡±


    Realizing the gravity of the situation, Herace got up and went to the dressing table. She originally wore the ring every day. She took it off for a while to take care of Erzen, but she did not neglect its maintenance. She pulled out her jewelry box, tightly packed with locks, from the deepest part of her vanity, and put her hand into a hidden space behind her vanity mirror. Soon, a small key was in Herace¡¯s hand.


    ¡°You¡¯re not answering, so I¡¯ll ask again. Why was the ring in someone else¡¯s hand when it was supposed to be on yours? A notorious loan shark at that.¡±


    Herace, who was holding the key, opened the jewelry box with trembling hands. In the box of precious things, various priceless gems were shining, but the most important ring was missing.


    ¡°Why is that¡­ that¡¯s obviously¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t stutter and explain it properly. Why was this found outside the castle?¡±


    ¡°I-I don¡¯t know. I¡¯m sure I put it in here¡­¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t know, I¡¯ll change the question. Did you take this off your hand?¡±


    ¡°¡­..¡±


    ¡°Looks like it¡¯s true then. Why did you take it off? Did you forget what kind of ring this is?¡±


    The treasure of the family was taken outside. There was justification for Ezekiel¡¯s accusation. Biting her lips, Herace held the ring, not looking at Ezekiel¡¯s face. She didn¡¯t even know this ring had disappeared until now. She managed to open her mouth and made excuses.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but if I wear a ring or something while taking care of Erzen, the child could get hurt. And Erzen doesn¡¯t like the cold¡­ But I¡¯m sure I hid it well. It was definitely there until four days ago.


    ¡°So, why are you taking care of the baby yourself?¡±


    The direction of the rebuke shifted to the child. Herace, who was willing to accept any kind of criticism, looked embarrassed. Ezekiel twisted his lips as he took one step closer to her.


    ¡°So, you¡¯re telling me that you removed the ring for the sake of the child, and that the ring disappeared at that time. Besides, you didn¡¯t even notice that the ring was gone. The Duchess was so obsessed with her child that she took off an heirloom and even lost it. You¡¯re really out of your mind.¡±


    Something was strange. Losing the heirloom was an unacceptable felony that could not be easily tolerated, even if it was by a Duchess, so it was only natural to be reprimanded. But the responsibility lies with either the woman who lost her belongings or the one who stole her things. Herace couldn¡¯t understand why Erzen was being dragged into this.


    ¡°But¡­!¡±


    ¡°Stop making useless excuses. Other women in the family who gave birth didn¡¯t act like you.¡±


    Herace opened her mouth to refute. But Ezekiel cut her words and forcefully spoke his.


    ¡°The more I think about it, the more amazing it gets. Why are you behaving like that? It¡¯s not like there isn¡¯t a nanny or a maid to look after your child. It¡¯s their job to take care of your son, so why are you so nervous without him? Why are you acting so strangely?¡±


    It hurt more to hear him say that she was strange than to be excessively reprimanded. Herace had never thought that she cared for her child differently. Any mother would want to be like her. And if she¡¯s eccentric, was it really such a horrible sin that he had to say that?


    What was strange in Herace¡¯s opinion was Ezekiel. He hugged her, laid with her, and let her have a baby. He said he loved her and was happy to have a child. She was sure he did, so why?


    ¡°It¡¯s the same as when you had it, and even after you gave a birth¡­ A child! Just a child! Don¡¯t you get tired of it?¡±


    ¡®Tired, how can you say that? Why do you hate our child so much? Why are you being so cumbersome?¡¯


    Ezekiel¡¯s foot kicked a toy to a corner which caught Herace¡¯s eye. It was sad that the toy was being treated carelessly, just like her and her son Erzen¡¯s situation. Herace¡¯s eyes became red.


    When Herace looked like she was about to cry, Ezekiel kept his mouth shut. He turned his head to a corner then sighed before approaching Herace.


    ¡°Stop babysitting. Focus on your work instead.¡±


    He brought Herace on her soft bed after having made her kneel in front of the dressing table. There was a bit of remorse in his slightly softened voice. But Herace, who was hurt by his words and actions, turned away from Ezekiel. She then looked at Erzen¡¯s spot on her bed.


    Ezekiel¡¯s face contorted again. His golden eyes shook and gleamed with a cruel light.


    ¡°¡­A woman who has no idea what a Duchess is supposed to do.¡±


    ¡°¡­..¡±


    ¡°Hey, you haven¡¯t done anything for Serpence until now. If I had to ask you what you did¡­ ah, was it warming my bed for months and giving birth to a useless child? That¡¯s right.¡±


    Horrified, Herace was in tears. She didn¡¯t want to listen, but every word that entered her ears was so sharp that she couldn¡¯t ignore it.


    Warm up his bed. Herace was surprised that her love for him could be expressed in that way.


    But the more painful words were all related to her son. Useless child¡­ Erzen¡¯s blue eyes came to mind. Would he have been more loved if he had been born with the eyes of his father, just like that woman¡¯s son? If he had been born in that woman¡¯s womb and not hers, would he have heard such a thing?


    As Herace turned and muffled her cries, Ezekiel grabbed her face. Forcing her to look at him, he put his index finger on Herace¡¯s chest covered by the robe.


    ¡°Duchess, the only thing you¡¯ve done so far has been climbing my bed¡­ But Herace, you¡¯ve recently given up on that as well, haven¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Hic¡­.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯ll be difficult if it¡¯s like this. Last time, I said I would make you Duchess, but I hate incompetence and uselessness. So, if you don¡¯t want to get kicked out, stop playing around with the child and do your job.¡±


    ¡°Haa¡­¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re having a hard time doing something you haven¡¯t done before, go to your husband¡¯s bed like before. Go up there, and stay in a humble position. Got it?¡±


    Humble position. Even while crying, Herace shook her head. Making love might be easy for him, but it wasn¡¯t that simple for Herace.


    ¡°Do what you know. And, right now¡­¡±


    Ezekiel trailed off and moved his hands. With one movement, her disheveled robe flowed down easily.


    ¡°¡­ do your job.¡±


    He kissed her tearful eyes and slowly pushed her down. Her eyes grew briefly dark, but soon were filled with resignation.


    Her dress slipped down and fell to the floor.

 CH 12

    Raven black hair spread across the white bed and made the pale woman¡¯s face stand out. Ezekiel stroked her face over and over again with his calloused hands.


    ¡°Don¡¯t cry.¡±


    After speaking, Ezekiel slowly moved his lips. His lips brushed her red eyes, then her cheeks, grazing her red lips and then stopped.


    The man had cloudy eyes filled with lust. He stroked his wife¡¯s round shoulders and lowered his gaze down to her neck. Her white and smooth curves were beautiful.


    It was obviously his property, but unfortunately, he had only been able to look at it for almost a year. He leaned his head down without hesitation. As the distance between them grew closer, his wife looked all the more prettier. Ezekiel kissed her a few more times as if to prepare.


    At his friendly touch, Herace recalled the past. At that time, it had just been a little over a year since she came to Serpence Castle. On the day when she first accepted Ezekiel¡¯s heart, Herace expressed her sorrows and regrets to him, ones he had never known.


    At that time, Ezekiel comforted her and kissed her gently. His warmth touched her lips, her eyes and nose, everywhere. But nevertheless, Herace fell ill for four days.


    [¡°I¡¯m sorry, Herace.¡±]


    After seeing Herace in pain, Ezekiel cared for her everytime. But what do you do? What began as polite soon became savage. Herace¡¯s sleepless nights only increased.


    When she woke up, it was well past noon, she was embarrassed to see the faces of the maids including Anna. But even after that, Herace did not refuse to lie in bed with her husband. Rather, she secretly wanted to spend the night with her husband. As a noble lady who should be chaste, she felt guilty that she was okay with this, because the pleasure of knowing him for the first time was overflowing.


    [¡°If you¡¯re having a hard time doing something you haven¡¯t done before, go to your husband¡¯s bed like before. Go up there, and stay in a humble position. Got it?¡±]


    But not anymore. This time was different from before in many ways. The secret of her earnest wait had disappeared. Instead, all that remained was fear and sorrow.


    Herace¡¯s eyes lost light as she faced the man who wanted to eat her. Herace bit her lip in agony. But if she was asked if there was only suffering, it wasn¡¯t. The strange sensation was a definite pleasure. Herace was distressed by it. She truly looked like a lowly woman herself, and she was ashamed.


    Herace made a sound without even hugging her husband¡¯s neck because of her pressed wrists. Her head couldn¡¯t think of anything, but her senses were clear, and her eyes kept flashing. Thus, Herace¡¯s mind was rapidly falling apart.


    Herace shook her head to escape the pleasure somehow. There was a single tear on her excited face.


    ¡°I said¡­ Haah ¡­¡­ Don¡¯t cry.¡±


    Perhaps seeing her tears, Ezekiel reached out his hand. He clenched his teeth as he rubbed Herace¡¯s face with his rough hand.


    After a while, the man¡¯s long sigh signaled the end. He lowered his hand and grabbed Herace¡¯s cheek, giving her a deep kiss. Herace, who had exhausted all of her strength, relaxed her body without even blinking her eyes.


    ¡°¡­You¡¯re too quiet.¡±


    A shrill voice entered her ears. Ezekiel looked at her face. The corners of her eyes, tears clinging to her lashes, were a mess. Her blue eyes stared blankly at the ceiling, turning away from him.


    Herace was like a small beast that had been hunted. But Ezekiel had no intention of letting Herace go. He then grabbed his wife¡¯s shoulders again.


    ¡°Ah¡­¡±


    Herace, who foresaw that it was not the end, groaned softly. She lifted her gaze and stared at the crumpled folds of the white fabric.


    The wrinkled mat of her child with blue eyes came into view. As she stretched her hand out to reach it, the man took it back. Her slender fingers went towards the cloth but got entangled with her man¡¯s hand.


    The night hadn¡¯t even begun yet.


    **********


    ¡°You said Ezekiel didn¡¯t come out of the room yesterday?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­Yes.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    The maid hesitated at Charlotte¡¯s question. Charlotte raised an eyebrow at her maid, who stuttered as if she couldn¡¯t answer.


    ¡°Are you d*mb? Answer right away!¡±


    ¡°Lady, you know, that¡¯s probably¡­ Ahh!¡±


    The teacup in Charlotte¡¯s hand moved aggressively. The maid, covered in hot tea, screamed and collapsed.


    ¡°Lady? Am I still a lady?¡±


    Either way, Charlotte didn¡¯t care. She threw the teacup on the floor right next to her maid. The precious teacup made by a craftsman broke with a sharp clanging sound.


    ¡°I-I was wrong¡­ I¡¯m sorry, M-Madam.¡±


    Her poisonous green eyes subsided a little at the word ¡°Madam¡±. Charlotte had been very particular on the word she refers to herself since she gave birth to Miguel.


    ¡°My son is the future Duke! But you call me a Lady! Does that make sense? I am the woman who gave birth to the Duke!¡±


    Originally, her actions were astonishing. Although she did give birth to a son close to becoming the heir, she did not receive the noble surname Serpence. But to call herself a Madam¡­


    The maid did nothing wrong, but she bowed her head. She was the cherished woman of the castle¡¯s Master, and she was the woman who bore the Master¡¯s son. No matter what status she was before, she was now a woman of power whose will had to be obeyed.


    ¡°If you make this mistake again, be prepared, I will cut off your tongue.¡±


    Charlotte stood up, staring at the maid who nodded vigorously. Her destination, as she nervously moved her steps, was her son¡¯s room right next door. When she opened the door leading to the next room, the three nannies and her maids who were taking care of Miguel bowed their heads as soon as they saw her.


    Miguel¡¯s large room was decorated with everything. The blue wallpaper had the symbol of Serpence engraved in gold, and the cradle made of silver had a mobile adorned with various jewels. They were pleasing just to look at.


    ¡°What about Miguel?¡±


    ¡°The young master just fell asleep.¡±


    ¡°Let me see.¡±


    Charlotte walked closer to the cradle. Her son, now two months old, looked a little older than his age. It must have been because he was in her womb for a long time. Charlotte fluttered her fan, looked at her healthy son, and reached out her hand. One of the nannies tried to say something about her long nails and several colorful rings, but the nanny bowed her head as she was held back by the others.


    ¡°My son¡­¡±


    Charlotte, who pressed his chubby cheeks, looked satisfied. This silver hair and golden eyes, by all accounts, her son had the blood of the Duke.


    ¡®Yes, with this child¡­¡¯


    Before giving birth, he was strangely ominous, so she just wanted him out, but everything got better when she gave birth.


    Ezekiel blatantly discriminated against the son of the Duchess when he intended to make her son Miguel, the heir. Charlotte smiled brightly as she recalled the day her son was held in the Duke¡¯s arms and received a preliminary ceremony from the great knights.


    ¡°I need to hug my son.¡±


    ¡°But he just fell asleep¡­¡±


    ¡°Stop talking and do what you¡¯re told!¡±


    As Charlotte tried to hold the sleeping Miguel in her arms, two nannies approached her anxiously and helped. Charlotte, holding her son in her arms, looked at Miguel¡¯s face and was overcome with joy.


    What do you do when you are born noble? This is how you¡¯d be treated. She had heard that the child born from the Duchess that day was locked in the corner of a room without being held by Ezekiel even though he was a boy. Charlotte couldn¡¯t have felt better about it.


    ¡°My son, Miguel¡­ he doesn¡¯t have a problem, does he?¡±


    ¡°Yes. The young master is very healthy.¡±


    This child was her strength. She can still see it. In the past, everyone who looked down on her and pointed at her now lowered their heads. Charlotte felt the weight of her child who had given everything to her while swaying Miguel back and forth. He was only two months old, but her son was quite heavy.


    ¡®But still¡­¡¯


    Charlotte enjoyed a lot in the castle because of her son. Ezekiel gave her a lot of gold, several servants to look after her, and even a knight to escort her. But to Charlotte, this wasn¡¯t good enough. She longed for one thing she didn¡¯t have.


    Honor. Charlotte wanted to be a Duchess, a noble. She wanted to be the rightful wife by Ezekiel¡¯s side, and the noble mother of Miguel who would become a Duke. What do those in the castle think when they bow their head towards her? What good would it do even if she was served with all kinds of dishes and had all the things she wanted to buy? Whispers and rumors from behind her would still continue.


    ¡®That position is mine.¡¯


    Ezekiel seemed unwilling to give her the title of Duchess, but even if he didn¡¯t give it to her, she would take it for herself.


    Of course, Ezekiel¡¯s attitude towards the Duchess will take a while. He was being cruel to her, but he obviously saw his wife as a woman. Ezekiel was a man who looked only at the Duchess, even though Charlotte showed her bare skin.


    Charlotte could see Ezekiel¡¯s gaze at the Duchess, and admitted that his attention wouldn¡¯t be on her for the meantime. She was resentful and angry, but what can she do? He was a man crazy about his wife.


    [T/N: He¡¯s crazy alright.]


    But Charlotte did not believe that Ezekiel¡¯s affection for his wife was permanent. Nothing changes as quickly and instantaneously as emotions. His affection became hate in an instant. But it¡¯s still there. The man loved his wife but hated her for some unknown reason.


    She didn¡¯t know the reason for his ambivalence, but Charlotte noticed it faster than anyone else beside Ezekiel. And that was an opportunity for her.


    Charlotte was quite confident in this. Discord. It was one of the skills she mastered in order to live. She intended to shift Ezekiel¡¯s affection to herself and his hatred towards the Duchess.


    ¡®I should clean up at this point. I will have my man. I have to spread rumors.¡¯


    The ring was just the beginning. Charlotte secretly bought off one of the people who entered Herace¡¯s room after hearing about the Duke Serpence¡¯s ring.

 CH 13

    Thanks to Ashte and Nawara for sponsoring this chapter!


    5 more left for Nawara.


    At first, things went as planned. Ezekiel noticed at once that this was strange, but he made a fuss even though he knew his wife was not guilty. Losing the ring that symbolized their love must have stimulated his underlying emotions.


    [¡°Erzen! Erzen!¡±]


    How much she laughed at the screams coming from the hallway. Charlotte was extremely determined to keep the two apart. When she gets angry and weeps, no matter how deep her love is, it will cool down.


    But after that, things took a strange twist. Ezekiel didn¡¯t leave his wife¡¯s room all night. And what that meant was obvious.


    ¡®After having Miguel, he never slept with me.¡¯


    Charlotte¡¯s expression hardened. She tried to hide her impatience, but it was not easy for her. As she looked at her son in her arms, she whispered a promise to him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Your mother will surely take her place.¡±


    As soon as Charlotte finished talking, the child opened his eyes. The child who saw the mother¡¯s face blinked his eyes beautifully and laughed.


    ¡°Ahh¡­¡±


    ¡°Madam! Are you okay?¡±


    The moment she saw the child¡¯s golden eyes, her head felt dizzy. She looked into her son¡¯s eyes as if she was possessed then Charlotte beckoned her maids to support her.


    ¡°Yes, Miguel¡­ As long as I have you¡­¡±


    A strange sense of satisfaction calmed Charlotte even in the midst of her emptiness. She leaned down and kissed her son¡¯s forehead reverently.


    The child let out a high-pitched laugh.


    **********


    Ezekiel had been constantly looking for Herace since that day. Herace closed her eyes and bit her lips every time he came, but she didn¡¯t say anything. Taking off her robe and getting to bed quietly became part of her routine.


    He took everything away from Herace when he stormed in every other day. Not only physical strength, but also sleep and time. Herace, who used to hug Erzen from morning till evening, fell asleep late in the morning and would fall into a coma-like sleep until afternoon. Erzen struggled, missing his mother¡¯s arms, but it was not easy to wake her up as if she were dead.


    Herace looked at the child, who was smiling as if he was happy to see her, with an apologetic face as she tried to breastfeed him in the late afternoon. But even she couldn¡¯t even do that because Herace felt like her chest was going to fall off.


    Besides, even her milk didn¡¯t come out like before, so Erzen couldn¡¯t fill his stomach from his mother¡¯s milk alone. If not for his nanny, Erzen would have otherwise struggled with hunger and a slender belly.


    There was only one good thing that happened after her husband started looking for her. Some of the fats she had been suffering from since giving birth had gone away. But for Herace, being forced to take time away from her son was a loss more than anything else, so exhaustion and depression were all over her face.


    Anna, unable to see Herace¡¯s pale face, stepped out. Instead of telling the helpless-looking woman to rest more, Anna smiled brightly, suggesting that she build up her stamina. Herace, who had only been looking at her sleeping son with a dazed mind, was led outside by Anna.


    ¡°I¡¯d rather stay with Erzen¡­¡±


    ¡°The young master is asleep. It¡¯s good to be beside him, but you need to be healthier than you are now to take good care of him.¡±


    ¡°¡­..¡±


    ¡°Once the young master learns to walk, you¡¯ll have to go for a walk together. If even a short walk is difficult, the young master who will run around later on will frustrate you.¡±


    Thinking of her son playing in the airy garden made her heart warm. Herace nodded slightly and touched the well-groomed bushes. It was a warm day, so a greenish color filled the whole place. In the fresh air that could not be compared to the inside of a room, Herace walked with a slightly relaxed face.


    She was a little out of breath after being under the warm sun for a long time. Herace stopped walking and found a place to sit. In front of a round arch with rose vines, a long, flat marble chair greeted her. When Herace settled down, Anna sat right next to her and took out a handkerchief.


    ¡°The sun is shining a little intensely.¡±


    A worried hand came down, wiping the sweat on her lady¡¯s forehead. But the handkerchief that reached her chin couldn¡¯t go any lower.


    Herace was wearing a dress with a collar that reached almost to the neck. She wore a dress with a slender neck, exactly as worn by priestesses at the temple. The tender skin on her neck that was exposed below the embroidered ends of the fabric were red. Anna, who looked at it with upset eyes, finally said something, ¡°Just wear a comfortable dress and put something around your neck.¡±


    Herace blushed slightly and placed a finger on her neck. Her bruised neck was a mess. It was the work of her husband Ezekiel.


    Thanks to this, Anna had to go through the trouble of carefully applying medicine to her Lady three times a day. However, once she healed, it will go back to the same state again.


    ¡°It¡¯s embarrassing to be seen by others. I¡¯m actually ashamed of what you see¡­ ¡°


    ¡°But, that¡¯s the master¡¯s fault. How can it be like this every time¡­ Once we go back, I¡¯ll apply another layer of medicine.¡±


    Herace nodded, patting the irritated skin one more time. The two got up. There was still a lot to see in the garden. But before they could even take a few steps, someone called them.


    ¡°It¡¯s been a while, Madam.¡±


    The owner of the voice was Charlotte. Ezekiel¡¯s mistress, and the woman who gave birth to her husband¡¯s child on the same day as Herace¡­ Anna, recognizing the owner of the dazzling blonde hair, openly frowned her face. Ignoring the sour mood, Charlotte slowly approached Herace.


    As their distance grew closer, those standing behind Charlotte bowed hastily to Herace. Herace¡¯s blue eyes saw a cloth carried by someone who seemed to be a nanny. It was hard to see because it was wrapped tightly, but it was clearly the child named Miguel. At first glance, his silver hair that was the same color as her husband¡¯s hair could be seen.


    ¡°It¡¯s the first time we¡¯ve seen each other alone isn¡¯t it?¡±


    After seeing the child for a moment, Herace looked at Charlotte, who spoke to her, with a puzzled look on her face. She thought they might meet one day, but she never dreamed that it would be now. As she closed her mouth with a bewildered look on her face, Charlotte spoke again with a lively voice.


    ¡°You should have made time sooner¡­¡±


    Herace¡¯s face hardened slightly at the tone that seemed like she was talking to a subordinate. Charlotte held her head high and didn¡¯t bow her head when she saw Herace. She was acting as if she were superior to Herace.


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s all right, now that we¡¯ve met like this.¡±


    To anyone who didn¡¯t know, Charlotte would¡¯ve looked like the Duchess. Dressed in a blue satin dress and adorned with jewels, she was gorgeous and didn¡¯t look cheap. Her shoulders and chest area were exposed a little too much for the weather, but the silk woven lace adequately covered it, giving a natural feel.


    In comparison, Herace wore a comfortable ivory dress with a small pearl earring and a gold ring. The corners of Charlotte¡¯s lips rose slightly as she glanced up and down at Herace¡¯s monotonous outfit.


    ¡°¡­Let¡¯s go, Anna.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Madam.¡±


    Herace, who didn¡¯t want to face Charlotte, turned away. Anna quickly followed after her. There was explicit hostility behind Charlotte¡¯s smile, as if it was directed towards an opponent.


    ¡°Are you ignoring me and my son now?¡±


    Herace¡¯s intentions were clear, but Charlotte followed her with her long dress. She reached out to Herace as if it were natural. Anna did not hide her contempt as Charlotte¡¯s hand was about to touch Herace¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°What are you doing!¡±


    The well-groomed hand moved away. Herace sent glances to Anna at what she had said. But unlike Herace, who wanted to end the encounter, Charlotte raised the corners of her lips and lifted in her hands. She moved her hand and twisted the ring in her finger a few times and then¡­


    Slap!


    ¡°Ahh!¡±


    ¡°Anna!¡±


    How strong are those thin arms? Anna crumpled to the floor right away. Surprised, Herace leaned over to Anna, who had fallen. Her cheek was red and bleeding. It was clearly cut from something.


    Herace looked at Charlotte¡¯s hand. Charlotte turned her ring back to its place, watching the two women slumped beneath her. The large sapphire on her index finger had a little bit of red blood on it.


    ¡°How dare a maid treat me like this, the one who gave birth to Serpence¡¯s heir¡­ Consider yourself lucky that it¡¯s just like this.¡±


    ¡°A maid? And what of you? You¡¯re a filthy b*tch who¡¯s no better than a maid! You seem to be proud of having a child even when you¡¯re just a mistress. Yes, you are a mistress! A dirty mistress that steals men from other people!¡±


    Although wounded, Anna¡¯s spirit did not die. Anna screamed at her as she got up. She wasn¡¯t going to run away, but Charlotte flinched as she tried to back away, blushing, and then paused. She was not a filthy woman, and she was not a maid¡­ She raised her venomous eyes and lifted her hand again.


    ¡°What? You arrogant thing!¡±


    Slap!


    Charlotte was about to swing her hand but instead a sharp sting touched Charlotte¡¯s cheek. Charlotte, who had never imagined that she would be hit, looked at her opponent with dazed eyes.


    ¡°How dare you¡­¡±


    Herace was glaring at Charlotte. The trembling body and swollen palm looked fragile, and only the blue eyes were fierce. Herace showed her anger at Charlotte and smirked.


    ¡°Who do you think you are to hit my maid?¡±


    ¡°You¡­ you¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare talk to me like that, you lowly mistress.¡±


    There was no woman who didn¡¯t know what to do when faced with her husband¡¯s mistress. She was a noblewoman too¡­ The true Duchess.


    Charlotte held her swollen cheek and pointed her finger at Herace. She wrinkled eyebrows and pursed her lips. Charlotte¡¯s face was a mixture of embarrassment and anger.


    ¡°Haah¡­ it may not be official, but I¡¯m more or less at the position of a noblewoman¡­¡±


    Charlotte knew who she was. Although she gave birth to a son who was close to becoming successor, she was still a mistress from lowly origins. Even in the past, she knew that she had nothing to say even if she was stoned to death by Herace, an aristocratic Duchess.


    But she felt strangely confident. Somehow she thought she could do this. Behind her was her son cheering her on. It¡¯s okay. Anyway, this woman¡¯s place will soon be hers. She can pretend a little ahead of time¡­

 CH 14

    The child kept babbling from behind. The nanny holding Miguel shuddered, and the sound of shushing was heard. Charlotte, who had glanced at her son for a brief moment, looked at Herace again. The tip of her pointed nail poked Herace¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°Noble Duchess, you slapped me on the cheek first. So, even if you get hit by a lowly person like me, don¡¯t be embarrassed. After all, in the not-too-distant future, I will be in that position.¡±


    Charlotte was really in the mood to beat Herace. As she raised her hand up, Anna squinted her eyes as she stood in front of Herace. But no matter how long she waited, she felt no pain.


    Anna slowly opened her eyes.


    They did not know when he had arrived, but the man was twisting Charlotte¡¯s wrist with his large hand. He gazed at Herace with a blank expression on his face then looked at his mistress. Charlotte strongly called out his name in a shrill voice.


    ¡°Hey, Ezekiel!¡±


    Charlotte quickly changed her stance. She immediately squeezed her tears and began to weep with a pitiful face. On the other hand, Herace was helpless at the sudden appearance of Ezekiel, and only lowered her head.


    ¡°Hic¡­Ezekiel¡­ Duke¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s no use crying. Charlotte. Do you know what you just did?¡±


    The blonde beauty¡¯s delicate voice and reddish eyes were pitiful, but Ezekiel¡¯s voice was cold. He spoke sternly after he threw Charlotte¡¯s arm.


    ¡°Even if you die, there is nothing to be said for the sin that you, a mistress, tried to slap my wife, who is the Duchess.¡±


    Charlotte bowed her head, realizing the seriousness of the situation. There was a slight fear on her face.


    The feelings a man had for his wife were a double-edged sword. If used properly, you would be able to cut the opponent¡¯s head, but if swung incorrectly, it will slice your throat.


    Charlotte quickly knelt at Ezekiel¡¯s feet. Her blue satin dress touched the ground and got dirty, but she didn¡¯t care. She cried as she held Ezekiel¡¯s hand, as if the world was unfair to her.


    ¡°It¡¯s not like that. How dare I hurt your wife? If that¡¯s the case, I¡¯m sure there¡¯s nothing I can do about it even if I die.¡±


    ¡°Then, what did I just see?¡±


    ¡°You got it wrong. You got it wrong. I had no intention of being rude to her.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡±


    ¡°But?¡±


    ¡°¡­I was just trying to scold that arrogant child. Trust me, Ezekiel.¡±


    Anna, who had opened her mouth to Charlotte¡¯s wicked lies, tried to respond as her fingers pointed at her. But Ezekiel¡¯s eyes, following Charlotte¡¯s fingers, were so terrifying that she dared not look at him.


    Anna knew. She didn¡¯t know why, but she hated her master. Frightened by him, she unknowingly curled her body.


    ¡°That girl was cocky towards me and then hid behind your wife and made me look like this¡­ Ezekiel, look here. She slapped me on the cheek because of that child¡¯s tantrums. Hic¡­¡±


    Charlotte rubbed her hurt cheek with Ezekiel¡¯s hand. Then he looked closely at the mistress¡¯ face. The red, swollen cheek was clearly visible. He knew who did this¡­.


    When he heard that his wife had beaten his mistress, Ezekiel raised his lips as if he found it funny, then glanced at his wife¡¯s hand. He couldn¡¯t believe it was swollen after one slap. He was more interested in his wife¡¯s hands, slightly swollen, than Charlotte¡¯s red cheek.


    Herace clasped her palms. Ezekiel patted Charlotte on the cheek a couple of times at the sight, and stared at Herace¡¯s face. She had her eyes set down, with her face hardened, just as she did when he appeared.


    ¡°Whatever the reason, you deserve it because you offended the Duchess.¡±


    Contrary to the gentle gestures, the voice that came out was still cold. Charlotte bowed her head, barely covering her venomous face.


    You. Offended. Duchess.


    She hated it when Ezekiel, not anyone else, confirmed her identity like this. She was the mother of his cherished son, but why was she still a mistress from lowly origins? Charlotte grinded her teeth that only she could hear.


    Continuing to pat the mistress¡¯ cheek, Ezekiel glanced at Herace from the side. Herace was hiding Anna behind her, watching him with wary eyes. When he saw her holding the hand of a maid and protecting her like her cub, his judgement became twisted. A woman who doesn¡¯t even see her husband, like a stone at the side of the road¡­


    [T/N: Oh boy, here we go.]


    He smiled faintly and stroked Charlotte¡¯s head as if he were petting a dog, then he raised her up and hugged her deep in his arms.


    ¡°But Charlotte¡­ I see your cheeks and you have a point.¡±


    The eyes looking at the woman in her arms were kind. Charlotte was bewildered by the sudden change in his attitude, but she soon realized the opportunity had come. Her man had a troubling look on his face as if he could kill his wife. She purposely pouted her lips in a pitiful way.


    ¡°I¡¯m glad you know that¡­ I wasn¡¯t really trying to be rude to you.¡±


    The face of the blonde beauty, who was shivering with a screeching sound, was pathetic. Ezekiel kissed Charlotte on her forehead and swept her cheek, commanding the knights behind him.


    ¡°Beat the girl who hit my child¡¯s mother and cut off her tongue that dared to drive a wedge between my wife and my mistress. Then kick her out of the castle.¡±


    Blood drained from Anna¡¯s face at the cruel punishment. But there was one person who became more hysterical than her, and it was Herace. She shouted at Ezekiel, hiding Anna from the knights who were approaching her.


    ¡°Nonsense! Ezekiel, you¡¯re out of your mind!¡±


    ¡°Move. You¡¯re so soft so that b*tch keeps opening her mouth. I¡¯m sure I¡¯ve said it once before. Your subordinates¡­ Control them, especially that girl.¡±


    ¡°Anna did nothing wrong. It started with that woman in your arms! It was that woman who was rude to me first. You¡¯ve seen it with your own eyes! She put her hand on me.¡±


    ¡°But didn¡¯t she say it was a misunderstanding? Right?¡±


    ¡°Madam¡­ You are really mistaken. I just¡­¡±


    Charlotte buried her face in Ezekiel¡¯s arms. The man patted his mistress¡¯ back and looked at Herace with a relaxed face.


    ¡°Besides, Charlotte was hurt. Charlotte is Miguel¡¯s mother. No matter how ignorant she is, you slapped her in front of her son ¡­¡­ Your maid¡¯s tantrum affects my son as well.¡±


    ¡°Anna was more injured. Look at this. The blood on her face¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not even funny.¡±


    Herace couldn¡¯t finish her sentence. It was because Ezekiel interrupted her. He walked over to Herace, hugging Charlotte. Then he glanced at Anna behind her as if he was looking at something to dispose of.


    ¡°Herace, do I have to keep telling you? My son¡¯s mother was injured because of that child you care for.¡±


    Every word was spoken with firmness. Herace¡¯s face turned pale. He looked like he was going to slaughter Anna at any moment. And she had no power to stop it.


    Blood spilled from her lips that were bitten too hard. Herace tried desperately to hide her handmaiden without saying a word. But she was of small stature. She could not completely hide her maid.


    ¡°You have to weigh what you want to compare.¡±


    ¡°¡­..¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t compare the life of your maid to Charlotte. The weight is different. What are you doing? Get that girl out of here right now.¡±


    As the master commanded, hesitation disappeared and the knights moved. They pulled Anna out from behind Herace. Anna screamed and struggled, but to no avail.


    ¡°Lady!¡±


    ¡°Anna! Let Anna go! Right now!¡±


    Herace reached out to the knight¡¯s body to get Anna back. Ezekiel, who saw this, let Charlotte go. He grabbed Herace by the shoulder with a quick movement and pulled her towards him. Let go. When their eyes met, Herace appealed.


    ¡°Ezekiel, don¡¯t do this. I¡­ I was wrong. I will teach Anna well. It will never happen again.¡±


    Herace was trembling and weeping in fear of losing Anna. She clinged to Ezekiel. She somehow bowed her body after being caught by her husband. Her dark hair, which had been tied into a ponytail, tumbled into a mess and spilled at Izkael¡¯s feet.


    Herace leaned her head against Ezekiel¡¯s shoes over and over again and grabbed his hand as if it were a salvation. Her terrified hands cooled Ezekiel¡¯s body temperature, which had grown warm with excitement.


    ¡°I-If your woman wants an apology, I¡¯ll do it. If it¡¯s a punishment, I¡¯ll take it. So don¡¯t touch Anna. She¡¯s like a little sister to me. The only one¡­. left¡­ hic¡­¡±


    It was his first time seeing his wife cry like a child and cling to him. Only towards him. Ezekiel was elated at the sight of Herace¡¯s trembling eyes as if it were the best thing.


    Ezekiel raised her head and placed his hand on Herace¡¯s face that was looking only at him. He wiped away his wife¡¯s tears as if to show mercy.


    ¡°¡­¡­I can¡¯t bear to turn a blind eye to my wife¡¯s pleas.¡±


    ¡°Ezekiel!¡±


    Charlotte exclaimed sharply. She put her body on his arm, trampling on the hem of Herace¡¯ dress sitting at Ezekiel¡¯s feet. The eyes that shone brightly were suffocating and full of scorn.


    Ezekiel¡¯s smile became more cruel as he alternated between Herace and Charlotte.


    He had to be good at tug-of-war if he were to chase his prey. After making them tremble with fear and anxiety, they will gradually lose their strength and be caught completely.


    Ezekiel gazed at Charlotte and kissed her swollen cheek. Herace, who was barely breathing at his mercy, could hear her breath vividly.


    ¡°But that doesn¡¯t mean we¡¯re going to let the victim feel wronged.¡±


    As soon as he finished his words, Herace¡¯s eyes widened in despair. He was quite satisfied with his wife, who gets crushed as he pleases.

 CH 15

    Warning: Assault


    **********


    Ezekiel wanted to inflict further shame and contempt on his wife. The man wrapped his arms around the mistress¡¯ waist as he watched his wife still kneeling under him. Herace showed a wounded expression after seeing him openly teasing his mistress. He whispered to the mistress as he stared into her blue eyes drenched with emotions.


    ¡°Charlotte, think about your punishment. But as my wife requested, you can¡¯t maim or kill her.¡±


    ¡°But Ezekiel¡­¡±


    ¡°You with a big heart must understand. My noble wife got down to her knees here. So you must be generous.¡±


    ¡°But if you leave it like that, that girl will be cocky about Miguel being an illegitimate child. Just like now¡­¡±


    ¡°Charlotte.¡±


    She had to kill that d*mn b*tch this time. That way, that woman would have less authority and fall from power. Charlotte pouted at the sound of her man¡¯s cold voice. However, if she took one more step, she knew that things would go wrong, so she gave up on it.


    ¡°Tch! Okay, okay. So first¡­ She has to pay the price for my swollen cheek, so please punish that child with ten slaps on the cheek.¡±


    ¡°As you wish, without going too far.¡±


    A maid slapped Anna on the cheek at Ezekiel¡¯s command. Anna¡¯s cheek, which had been hit ten times in a row, was torn and burst, spilling blood. But Anna didn¡¯t make a sound. Instead, she forced herself to look at her Lady, who couldn¡¯t bear to look at her.


    ¡°And¡­¡±


    Charlotte looked down at Herace, laughing. She looked down at the Duchess, who had become smaller than the mistress, like a slave, and her eyes lit up as she looked at Herace¡¯s left hand.


    On the ring finger, where her green eyes touched, a gold ring, which looked precious even at a glance, was radiating its presence. Crushing the hem of Herace¡¯s dress, she dragged her shoes, clung to Ezekiel, and whispered in a charming voice.


    ¡°Your wife values her, so I¡¯ll stop punishing her. Instead, I want you to compensate me with something else.¡±


    ¡°Is there anything my wife has that you would want? The gold I gave you would be worth much more.¡±


    ¡°Of course, I¡¯m getting enough of Ezekiel¡¯s love¡­ But I¡¯m greedy and I¡¯m still lacking.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s interesting.¡±


    ¡°She can only give me one. Unfortunately, it¡¯s something I don¡¯t have¡­¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°I want the ring that your wife is wearing.¡±


    Herace¡¯s face, who was looking at the two with a blank expression, immediately crumbled as if she was about to break. She looked at her left hand and wrapped it with her right hand as if to hide her ring. However, everyone¡¯s eyes were already on Herace¡¯s ring.


    ¡°It¡¯s the price for forgiving the child you love, so of course you¡¯ll give it to me, right?¡±


    Her voice was as bright as a bird chirping. Herace stared at Charlotte, unknowingly tightening her eyes. That woman knew. What kind of ring this is. And what it means.


    Herace looked at Ezekiel as if to stop him, but he was heartless. He ordered his wife who was being humiliated in front of the mistress.


    ¡°Did you hear that? Herace, give the ring to Charlotte.¡±


    She couldn¡¯t believe it. How easily¡­ This ring. This is her symbol as Duchess Serpence, a meaningful object dedicated to her shortly after he freed her from her prison.


    [¡°Live. Just live. I¡¯ll take care of everything else.¡±]


    [T/N: Where did this Ezekiel go? TT]


    After saying so, the man proposed to Herace. He had a firm face, saying that she had nothing to worry about now that the marriage was decided with the permission of His Majesty the Emperor. Even when she gave up everything in her life, the look on her man¡¯s face was so trustworthy that Herace had tears in her eyes.


    But such a thing¡­¡­ Herace shook her head fiercely. A shrill voice rang out.


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t want to!¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t give it to you. Ezekiel, you know what this is!¡±


    ¡°Then, shall we punish your maid?¡±


    Ezekiel blocked the way. Herace blinked her eyes. Tears kept falling down. Anna, who was being held by a knight, shouted something from behind but was not heard by Herace.


    ¡°After all, you even lost it once. It¡¯s ridiculous how you¡¯re now pretending to care.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s!¡±


    After he let Charlotte go, he bent angrily towards Herace. He showed his palm right in front of his wife¡¯s face. It was almost a threat to give it up right away.


    ¡°Give me your ring, Herace.¡±


    ¡°No, no. I can¡¯t give you this, I can¡¯t. It¡¯s¡­ It- ¡°


    ¡°Open your hand.¡±


    Ezekiel grabbed his wife¡¯s hand. She struggled to get away from him. Her blood-red fist was tightly clenched, unwilling to yield. Ezekiel, who was about to force his wife¡¯s fingers to open, suddenly thought of something, and then swept his hair once. Behind the silver hair that slipped down, there were awfully cold eyes.


    ¡°¡­ I¡¯ll tell you one more time. Open your hands, Herace, open them and hand the ring over.¡±


    ¡°No, I can¡¯t. You promised. If I do what I had to do¡­ ¡°


    If it was taken away, she felt like she had to give up her place. Then what about her son? What¡¯s going to happen to Erzen? Ezekiel¡¯s mistress would certainly not leave her son alone. Besides, this ring¡­


    Herace was uncharacteristically stubborn, as she continued to recall when she had received the ring from Ezekiel.


    ¡°Haha¡­ So this is how you¡¯re going to be.¡±


    ¡°Ezekiel, please¡­ This is what you gave me¡­¡±


    Slap!


    An unbelievable sight unfolded. Everyone¡¯s eyes widened. Except for one man, the man who slapped his wife¡¯s cheek.


    ¡°My wife is arrogant to the end. Everything is arbitrary.¡±


    The force that struck Herace on the cheek was not strong. It was just a bit of strength, as if to lightly make her come to her senses. Nevertheless, it belonged to a man. The hand of a man who fought in the war.


    The skin turned red right away. Herace groaned without straightening her head when her face turned at the slap. The shock was greater than the tingling cheek.


    ¡°Oh¡­ ¡°


    It was the first time she was hit in the face. She was the daughter of a criminal but had never been slapped in the face even when she was taken to prison.


    But by her husband, in front of his mistress. To be hit in the face while trying not to lose the Duchess¡¯ symbol¡­ In an instant, time and space disappeared, and the sense of reality became distant. Her body began to tremble as she barely held on to her dizzying mind.


    ¡°I can¡¯t forgive you for ignoring me, the owner of this castle and the head of the Serpence family, even though you are the Duchess.¡±


    At Ezekiel¡¯s words, as if the scuffle up until now was funny, Herace¡¯s hand lost power. As if waiting for her to open her fists, Ezekiel took the ring from her hand and slapped her hand away then lifted her body up.


    As she stood up, tears welled up in Herace¡¯s blue eyes and ran down her cheeks. The twinkling tears contrasted with her red cheek.


    ¡°Give me your hand.¡±


    Charlotte, who smirked at the dazed Herace, jumped up as if she was happy. She showed Ezekiel her hand with rings. Among the splendid rings, the gold ring came in at once. How beautiful the gold ring was! Charlotte, who was presumptuous, looked happy.


    ¡°Oh! It fits perfectly.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s great.¡±


    ¡°It seems like something that had been mine from the beginning. How could it look so good¡­¡±


    The mistress¡¯ prattling continued for a while. Annoyance was soon revealed in his eyes. Ezekiel looked down at his wife. She was still on her knees.


    Herace¡¯s appearance was horrendous. Her dress that had been dragged all over was filthy and her hair was also a mess. In addition, her pale face and puffy cheeks were so prominent that the area that had been hit was clear.


    Ezekiel, who saw tears flowing down her red cheek, crumpled his face and clenched his fist as if displeased. He took his eyes off his wife and quickly turned away. He looked like he was running away.


    ¡°¡­Miguel is going to get cold. Let¡¯s go in.¡±


    ¡°I can stay longer¡­¡±


    [T/N: Oh my gosh this girl, you haven¡¯t had enough? You still want more?]


    ¡°You should go in and have your cheek looked at. It is not good to leave the area swollen for a long time.¡±


    ¡°What are you thinking? We¡¯re in front of your wife, but Ezekiel is so¡­ Come on. Let¡¯s go back.¡±


    As Charlotte turned her body in a wide manner, the fluttering hem of her dress slapped Herace on the cheek once more. It didn¡¯t hurt because it was a soft cloth, but Herace wiped her cheek with a st*pid face. There was hardly any heat, but it was strangely painful. She was sick and in pain and wanted to die. She bit her parched lips until they bled.


    ¡°Hic¡­¡±


    A suppressed moan was mixed with the cry. Anna almost crawled over as she knelt down in front of Herace and put her forehead on the ground.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m sorry, Lady. I¡­ Because of me¡­¡±


    Herace stopped Anna from trying to take the blame. She stroked Anna¡¯s crying face and said in a breaking voice, ¡°Anna, we¡¯re just¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­ Me, you and Erzen, the three of us will continue to be treated like this¡­..¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­ ¡°


    ¡°Would you like to leave?¡±


    **********


    Rumors quickly spread that the owner of the ring had changed. When the symbol of the Duchess was taken away, the number of people sympathizing with Herace decreased noticeably. Instead, a group of people gossiping about her and flattering Charlotte rose like weeds after the rain.


    It was Ezekiel who made a significant contribution to the attitude of such people. He did not go to his wife¡¯s room after taking the ring from Herace. Instead, he often stayed in the room where Charlotte, or more precisely, Miguel, was staying. In addition to the ring, Charlotte wore the ring and wandered through the castle when he, who had been looking for his wife for a while, had stopped visiting the Duchess¡¯ room.


    With her goal in front of her, she had nothing to fear. She wanted to take it away. Everything she has! Position, wealth, and fame they¡¯re all hers. And¡­


    ¡®¡­..That man too.¡¯


    Charlotte¡¯s gaze reached the noble man. The man with disheveled silver hair and dressed in a loose shirt, sat comfortably in a chair, under a fluttering candle, looking at his son in the cradle.

 CH 16

    Charlotte approached Ezekiel from behind and hugged him. Her white hand wearing a gold ring, gently stroked her man¡¯s neck, shoulders, and caressed the chest hidden under his shirt. His skin, rougher than that of a woman, and hard muscles protruding unevenly beneath her touch, aroused her desires. Breathing into her man¡¯s ear, she flirted.


    ¡°Can you move my room? Of course, I¡¯m fine right now, but¡­ there¡¯s less sunlight in there. The room she¡¯s in¡­ it looks like it would be great in there.¡±


    ¡°¡­..¡±


    ¡°Miguel is still young. I can¡¯t go out much, so even if we¡¯re in that room, he can get a lot of sunlight and will be healthier, right? So¡­¡­¡±


    The man did not react to the woman¡¯s brutal behavior. The cold attitude of her man was still there. Charlotte licked Ezekiel¡¯s ear with her tongue.


    ¡°Ezekiel, why are you so quiet?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Charlotte hates that face. Why don¡¯t you play with me? We haven¡¯t enjoyed since Miguel was born.¡±


    The woman drew her body closer to him. After giving birth, her beautiful body remained intact as she entrusted all of the child care to the nannies.


    ¡°Move.¡±


    Ezekiel looked uncomfortable. He was so insensitive that he embarrassed Charlotte. But in the absence of his wife, he didn¡¯t have to act. He wrinkled his brow as if annoyed, waving indiscriminately to get Charlotte off of him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t say that. After all, it¡¯s just me and Miguel. Miguel is enough, but it would be nice to have more children¡­. They say that children need siblings.¡±


    Despite Ezekiel¡¯s cold attitude, Charlotte did not give up. This has happened more than once. Her man treated her like a weed once his wife was gone.


    ¡°Oh, come on¡­ Don¡¯t be so¡­ ¡°


    In the past, it was difficult to seduce the man because she was pregnant, but not anymore. Charlotte made up her mind that she was going to flirt with her man today. She groped the man all over with her gentle gestures.


    ¡®Not anymore. For the sake of my future plans, I¡¯ll have to slowly entice him¡­¡¯


    In fact, Charlotte was anxious. The ominous feeling she wanted to get rid of after giving birth to Miguel recently reared its ugly head again. She sometimes felt like she wasn¡¯t the owner of her body. Why was it happening? It didn¡¯t feel real, but it was in her memory¡­. It was a nonsensical thing, but she would suddenly fall asleep without realizing it, and when she awoke, a feeling of uneasiness wrapped around her body.


    ¡®I haven¡¯t taken the Duchess¡¯ seat yet¡­ That¡¯s why. Because my position is unstable¡­¡¯


    She was convinced that the reason was because of her unstable position. A mistress. It was a position that could be thrown out at any time according to the man¡¯s will. Charlotte knew that she could live a pleasant life in Serpence Castle. Everything was different from her days on the wretched, cold battlefield. At that time, she was at the mercy of others, but in this castle, it was the opposite.


    ¡®I will never go back to those days.¡¯


    She patted the man¡¯s face, looking at him with eyes slightly open. Her red tongue crawled out and reached the man¡¯s lips. However, Ezekiel¡¯s dry expression remained the same.


    He pushed Charlotte ruthlessly. Charlotte fell to the floor with a thud. At the excruciating humiliation, Charlotte trembled.


    ¡°¡­¡­If you¡¯re in heat, find another man.¡±


    ¡°Wha-, I beg your pardon?!¡±


    There was a subtle annoyance in the man¡¯s gold eyes. He rummaged through his pockets and pulled out a cigar. A pungent smoke smell filled the room from the burning cigar. Charlotte¡¯s eyes widened at him smoking despite having a child with them.


    ¡°Ezekiel! Can¡¯t you see Miguel?¡±


    She was concerned about her son¡¯s health. He¡¯s a growing kid. It didn¡¯t matter if he smoked cigars or not, but Miguel is the kid who will give her everything. She ran towards her son and hugged him, shouting.


    ¡°Put it out right now! What if your son gets sick?¡±


    ¡°¡­I am holding back from cutting her head off right now, so do something about your mother.¡±


    At Charlotte¡¯s screams, Ezekiel made an unfamiliar remark. ¡®Your mother¡¯. It didn¡¯t sound like he was talking to his own son. An eerie, ominous feeling gripped Charlotte¡¯s mind. Goosebumps ran down her spine as she slowly lowered her head towards her son.


    ¡°What does that mean¡­ ah¡­¡±


    The shining gold eyes seemed to swallow Charlotte¡¯s thoughts. With dazed eyes, she put her son back in his cradle and fixed his clothes. It was a bizarre scene, but Ezekiel didn¡¯t even turn his head towards Charlotte.


    Charlotte then brushed past Ezekiel and slowly made her way to the bed. She stood by the bed with unfocused green eyes. Then, she soon collapsed onto the bed like a doll with a broken string. At the same time, Ezekiel muttered nervously.


    ¡°¡­even if you¡¯re wearing the guise of a child, that doesn¡¯t mean you can¡¯t speak.¡±


    The golden eyes between the silver hair turned towards the cradle. Miguel made a babbling sound at his father¡¯s words. He seemed to be responding to him.


    Ezekiel got up from his chair with a stiff face and threw out his cigar. As soon as he looked down at the cradle, the atmosphere in the room darkened. The candle flickered as if it was about to go out, and strange whispers echoed in Ezekiel¡¯s ear.


    ¡¸It¡¯s not fun¡­ Wait a minute. This shell can¡¯t make a proper sound yet. It would be good if you had a genius son, but if he starts talking less than three months after he was born, wouldn¡¯t there be rumors that he¡¯s possessed by a devil?¡¹


    ¡°It¡¯s not wrong.¡±


    ¡¸I put the cheeky girl to bed as you wished, so what are you so dissatisfied with?¡¹


    The voice was indistinguishable whether it was a man or a woman. It was high-pitched like a child but also rough like an old man¡¯s.


    Ezekiel approached the cradle. A child who looked just like him, with his eyes wide open, smiled softly, stretched out his hand in front of him and grabbed his father¡¯s finger. Ezekiel frowned and shook the child¡¯s hand away.


    ¡°¡­¡­What do you get in return then?¡±


    ¡¸The price?¡¹


    The voice asked as if he didn¡¯t know. Ezekiel¡¯s expression became even worse. He closed his mouth and gripped the cradle tightly. Part of the wooden cradle crumbled and fell to the floor and the veins in his arms popped out.


    ¡¸Did I not tell you?¡¹


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡¸I¡¯m sure when I made the contract at that time¡­ I said that I would keep the price a secret.¡¹


    ¡°Stop chattering. Tell me right now. What did this b*stard cost me?¡±


    ¡¸You¡¯ve been sitting still all this time. Why are you curious now?¡¹


    It was a twirling, teasing voice. At its disrespectful tone, Ezekiel smashed the cradle. The cradle quickly moved back and forth with a dull sound. A squeaky, rugged sound scratched his nerves.


    ¡°Tell me right now!¡±


    Ezekiel was ready to take the child out at any moment and throw him away. Its voice burst into laughter as if it was taunting Ezekiel. The baby¡¯s golden eyes folded beautifully and drew a half moon.


    ¡¸Oh¡­ Ezekiel, are you gonna kill me? Can you even do it?¡¹


    Even the most courageous Knights were terrified when they met Ezekiel during the war. He was closer to a god on the battlefield and he was a man who made his opponents shiver just by looking at their faces. However, there was no fear nor tension in the voice floating around the room. His voice was not affected by Ezekiel¡¯s intimidation and continued talking.


    ¡¸If you¡¯re going to vent your anger, aim it at yourself. What you did to your wife is entirely your fault. It was you, Ezekiel, who made her cry, and it was you who hit her. So you cannot blame me¡­¡¹


    He remembered his wife¡¯s tears streaming down her red swollen cheek. Ezekiel wrinkled his face and had a darkened expression. He wanted to cut off his hand right away. Never mind hitting her, touching her was already something he regretted.


    He clenched his fists and his jaw stiffened. Then a voice scoffed at the man who was enveloped in a sense of shame.


    ¡¸I felt sorry for her, even though I was just watching. Your wife¡­ She¡¯s such a beautiful woman. A noble Devone fairy. The Empire¡¯s beauty. Who would have imagined that such a woman would be humiliated by her husband in front of his mistress?¡¹


    ¡°¡­..¡±


    ¡¸¡­.If it were a man other than you, they would have made her happy. For example¡­ if it was a man like your brother Charles.¡¹


    At the name Charles, Ezekiel¡¯s expression changed in an instant. The younger brother who was expelled for his mother¡¯s sins. He was Herace¡¯s former fianc¨¦, and he would have been her husband if he hadn¡¯t intervened. There was a moment of guilt in Ezekiel¡¯s eyes, but it soon vanished, engulfed in horror.


    ¡¸Did you notice? The kind of expressions the men around you make when you make your wife cry? Whether it be a servant or a knight, everyone¡­¡¹


    ¡°¡­..¡±


    ¡¸¡­they all look at your wife. They all look at her beautiful face.¡¹


    Ezekiel remembered who the men were one by one. Three knights under his command, two servants assigned to Charlotte, and a boy doing errands. He wanted to dig out all of their eyes. Those pairs of eyes that dared to covet his wife.


    ¡¸But what can you do? Ezekiel, you couldn¡¯t take your eyes off her either. That¡¯s why this happened¡­¡¹


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡¸You can¡¯t ask other men not to do what you can¡¯t do either. Right?¡¹


    The child looked up at his father. The man¡¯s eyes were distorted, filled with anger at the thing it was looking at. Part of the cradle shattered in the man¡¯s hands. Wood splinters from the broken cradle dug into the calluses of his palms.


    ¡¸Hey, calm down. This is not the time to be angry. Soon¡­¡­¡­.¡¹


    His voice slowly dissipated as if to comfort him. At the same time, the baby in the cradle turned his head and looked at the door. Knock, knock. Someone was knocking on the door. After Ezekiel stared at his son, he approached the door and turned the doorknob. Behind the door was a sweaty servant who had come in a hurry.


    ¡°Master, I have something to tell you.¡±


    ¡°Tell me.¡±


    ¡°That- your wife¡­¡­¡±


    Upon hearing the words from the servant, Ezekiel¡¯s face hardened. He hit the servant¡¯s shoulder as he ran out of the room. His hasty steps disappeared quickly.


    ¡°Whenever he¡¯s harsh on her¡­It¡¯s so hard to understand the Master.¡±


    Looking at the back of the Master running away, the servant had a face as if she didn¡¯t understand. Shrugging her shoulders, she glanced around the room and carefully closed the door.


    Thud.


    As soon as the door closed, the cradle moved on its own. The cradle swayed in gentle regular beats as though it was soothing the child. The golden eyes, which were clearly comfortable with the movement, slowly closed. The child, who was chewing on his fingers, fell asleep with a deep sigh. He had a calm face like a baby angel from a famous painting.


    In the quiet room where even the child was sleeping, only the sound of burning candles remained. A voice in the strange silence continued to say the unfinished words.


    ¡¸¡­¡­..It¡¯s going to get crazier.¡¹

 CH 17

    Herace was left alone in the dark. It was the same as then. When her family died and Knights took her and pushed her into a damp, shady prison. Yes, just like that time, she¡­


    She was alone.


    Due to the fear, Herace sat down, hugged her knees and buried her face in them. There was a pungent smell of something burning everywhere, and people screaming could be heard. She covered her ears and buried her face deeper, but to no avail. Feeling something wet and soggy touching her, she glanced down and saw blood pooling up and swallowing her slowly.


    ¡°Aaahh!¡±


    She screamed and struggled, but it didn¡¯t work. The puddle of blood that looked like a rotting swamp surrounded her, her legs unable to move. The fishy smell of the liquid sloshing just below her chin made Herace extend her arm out to escape. But, like her legs, her arms, which were bound to her body, did not obey their owner¡¯s wishes.


    ¡°S-Save me. Get me out of here¡­ Ezekiel¡­ Ezekiel, help me.¡±


    The first person that came to her mind was her husband, Ezekiel. Unable to wipe her tears away, in her fear and terror, she repeated her husband¡¯s name. If it was Ezekiel, he will come. Just like that time.


    Sure enough, as soon as she called out to Ezekiel, in the dark place right in front of her, a hazy light came on. A brightly lit man appeared and there was no doubt it was him. Herace recognized Ezekiel and reached her hand out of the puddle. Her hand had been restrained by something until a moment ago, but when she found him, it broke free.


    ¡°E-Ezekiel¡­ Hic.¡±


    But Ezekiel did not come for Herace. Wait, looking closely, he wasn¡¯t alone. Next to him was a woman with shiny blonde hair and a child in her arms. The three of them laughed and chatted about how much fun they were having, but when they saw Herace, their faces hardened all at the same time. Seeing her husband¡¯s cold face, Herace¡¯s eyes filled with despair.


    Blood gushed out of the puddle, wrapping around her outstretched arm towards Ezekiel, and led her back into the swamp. With a thud, Herace was tied again.


    Ezekiel turned his back. At the same time, the blood rose one step further. Herace was tired of the red blood getting into her mouth, but the more she struggled, the more liquid came rushing in.


    ¡°Help me. Someone, help.¡±


    Herace barely managed to speak as she raised her head as high as she could. Then, as if a play was about to begin, an incomparably bright light shone in front of her. As she lowered her eyes, Herace saw the one who appeared and shouted.


    ¡°Brother!¡±


    It was her older brother, Chris, whom she had not seen since he was taken to prison. Thanks to Ezekiel, his life was saved, but he was banished from the empire without even attending Herace¡¯s wedding. It was heartbreaking to hear that he was limping due to his injured leg as a result of the torture, but she could not express her feelings to anyone at that time. The best that she could do was to speak to her husband and ask a favor for her brother.


    [¡°Herace, you¡¯re the only one left! You have to survive! Do you understand?¡±]


    Chris looked exactly like the day she last saw him. Blood splattered everywhere on his torn clothes. In the midst of that, the eyes that worried about her, his arms reached out to hold her hand.


    Her brother has been like this since childhood. Having acted as Herace¡¯s parent in place of their father, who behaved eccentrically towards her, he always put his sister ahead of his own well-being.


    Forgetting the blood rushing through her nose and mouth, Herace struggled to grab her brother¡¯s hand. But before she could move her feet, her brother disappeared, and a middle-aged woman, who had cared for her as a child while her mother was sick, popped up in his place.


    [¡°Lady, you must defend your honor with this. The Marquis must have wanted that too.¡±]


    Tears flowed nonstop from the corners of her eyes that resembled Anna. The woman pulled out a pill the size of a thumbnail. Her brown leather shoes came close to Herace¡¯s eyes, and bluish liquid dripped down her face. Then, even in the dark, a halo of light was formed clearly.


    ¡°Nanny¡­.¡±


    When the blue liquid touched her face, she became confused. It felt like something was blocking her breathing. Herace gasped as she could barely breathe, and the middle-aged woman took another look at her with eyes full of pity, then quickly disappeared.


    ¡°Haah¡­¡­.¡±


    She could barely stand the dizzying sight. Two white hands appeared and gripped Herace¡¯s cheeks tightly. As soon as the noble lady came to her senses, she saw a wet face that looked elegant.


    [¡°Herace, do not forsake Charles. Charles is the only child I have. When I die, you must take care of Charles. I ask for that poor child.¡±]


    The weeping lady had blonde hair typical of the Imperial Family. Her blue eyes, which were a little brighter than Herace¡¯s, were trembling due to the fear of what¡¯s to come.


    ¡°Princess¡­¡­¡±


    The lady was Princess Ulysse, the mother of Charles. She, who was also Duchess Serpence, had come to see Herace shortly before it was revealed that she had been involved in the treason. Her clothes, expressions, and words drenched in the rain were as sad as she was back then. At the earnest mother¡¯s plea to her, Herace wept and said to her. That she failed to keep her promise to the princess.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m really sorry¡­..¡±


    [¡°¡­¡­so that¡¯s what happened, but I understand you. I would have done the same.¡±]


    The voice of someone other than the princess was heard as Herace apologized. When she blinked her eyes, Princess Ulysse quickly changed into a handsome man who looked just like her. His pretty smile and friendly face revealed his surroundings.


    The man who was Herace¡¯s fianc¨¦ and childhood friend, wiped her cheek with a bright smile. His moderately long red hair fluttered and touched Herace¡¯s cheek. Herace called the man¡¯s name in a sorrowful voice.


    ¡°Charles¡­¡±


    [¡°My brother is a good person. Unlike me, my brother has the power to protect you. So Herace¡­ You don¡¯t have to feel guilty about me.¡±]


    After pulling Herace¡¯s hair back and tidying it up, Charles gave her a long kiss on the forehead just as he had done as a habit when they were children.


    [¡°Herace.¡±]


    The voice calling her name trembled. Charles looked down and met Herace¡¯s gaze. He was smiling, but his warm eyes filled with sadness.


    [¡°¡­¡­.I¡¯m sorry. Herace, I¡¯m so sorry¡­ But I can¡¯t help it, I have to tell you. Because this will be the last time.¡±]


    Charles was always honest with his feelings. He was the heir to the Serpence Duchy and the Emperor¡¯s nephew until his mother¡¯s guilt of treason came to light. Growing up without difficulty, befitting his position, he did not pay attention to anyone. Thanks to this, he was a bit tactless, but he was welcomed by most people as he was bright by nature.


    For Charles, his fianc¨¦e, Herace, was special. The only person in his eyes was Herace. He had always been considerate of her and was honest. At that time, his confession was too aggressive and burdensome, but she was not offended because Herace knew that it came from a good place.


    [¡°Herace, I love you so much. I¡¯ve always loved you.¡±]


    So Herace felt sorry for Charles. She was terribly ashamed for forcibly erasing him in her life over the years. When Herace showed her tears of guilt, Charles wiped her tears with a gentle hand.


    [¡°I¡¯m sorry for burdening you with these words until the end. I¡¯m the bad guy. So¡­¡­.¡±]


    ¡°Charles¡­ I¡­ I¡¯m¡­¡±


    [¡°¡­You must live happily with my brother.¡±]


    As his voice scattered, Charles became an afterimage and disappeared with the light. Seeing him who seemed to disappear in an instant, Herace shook her head. She wished he hadn¡¯t gone. She wanted to forget everything and go back to her childhood days with him.


    ¡°Charles¡­ Ugh!¡°


    The puddle that was holding Herace firmly tightened and constricted her even more. The bewildered Herace shook her head, trying to get out of it, but it was everywhere. The space was filled with blood to the top of her head.


    She closed her eyes, but when she opened them, everything was red. The bloody smell that engulfed her body further accentuated the horror she felt. Herace let out her last breath, unable to make a sound.


    But even in that last breath, she swallowed blood.


    **********


    Herace was originally weak. If she was shocked by something or even when the weather turned slightly cold, she would lay ill.


    Needless to say, it was difficult for even healthy people to go through childbirth. So, after taking the ring, Ezekiel thought that Herace would of course lie on the bed and would not be able to move. But somehow, Herace was silent for several days. She was locked up in her room, but Ezekiel felt a strange sense of betrayal when he heard that she was doing well with her son.


    ¡®¡­¡­.Why are you okay?¡¯


    He knew it was his own useless emotion. But it was more difficult for him to see his wife fine with his madness, than dealing with dozens of enemies alone in a war.


    He thought it was a dirty move, but Ezekiel deliberately visited Charlotte and Miguel frequently. It was not easy to see the woman who was troublesome at every single thing she did, and the thing that was not even a human, so disdainful that he couldn¡¯t stand to look at it. So Ezekiel endured and persevered, hoping his wife would give him a small response because he was afraid to expect anything.


    [T/N: Wow. Thank you for your hard work Ezekiel.]


    ¡®Herace.¡¯


    When he thinks of his wife, he gets strangely thirsty and goes insane. Especially whenever he sees her blue eyes, it was like he was on the verge of beheading an opponent in a war. Those disquieting, tense moments stretched out and dominated all his time.


    ¡®It must be the same as that person.¡¯


    The sense of shame about his actions, which he couldn¡¯t even fathom himself, gradually turned into a question. Ezekiel suddenly thought of his father who had passed.


    After being entrusted to the Emperor and living in the capital, he had never seen his father healthy. The father, who he met again as an adult, was lying on the bed. He couldn¡¯t even be called a living person, it felt like being faced with a corpse. It wasn¡¯t shocking, but it was truly strange.


    However, it was the image of his father when he was young that remained in his mind. His father was so restless because he could not have his mother. His father¡¯s obsession with his mother led her to run away.


    Doubts, of course, were directed at the child¡¯s existence. His existence was ominous and filthy.

 CH 18

    ¡®¡­¡­What do you get in return then?¡¯


    Ezekiel tried to negotiate with it. But the news of his wife came as if he had been waiting for him to reveal his doubts.


    ¡®That- your wife¡­¡¯


    Herace¡¯s condition was more serious than expected. The servant carefully explained that his wife¡¯s body is boiling with fever, and that it was unusual for her to speak in her sleep. Ezekiel stood up from his seat feeling his heart dropping at the words.


    ¡®E-Ezekiel¡­¡­.¡¯


    She was softly calling his name when he arrived. As soon as the small voice called his name, Ezekiel kneeled down next to the bed and held his wife¡¯s hand.


    She was a weak person¡­.. He did something absolutely insane. She was a proud woman since her birth, although she pretended not to be. She must have been greatly shocked by the events of that day.


    Ezekiel stayed with his wife all day long, without maids and servants. She was so pale with cold sweat all over her body, that it wasn¡¯t strange that she was this sick.


    ¡°Charles¡­¡­.¡±


    A single tear fell from his gold eyes as he blamed himself. Then another man¡¯s name came out of Herace¡¯s mouth. Charles ¡­¡­. His half-brother¡¯s name. He loosened the grip holding his wife¡¯s hand. An insidious aura completely erased his regrets.


    He remembered the dawn of the day his wife gave birth. From the deepest of Ezekiel¡¯s heart, a thin thorn grew. His head, which had been lying on the bedside of her bed, slowly lifted up. Wrinkles formed across his forehead and worry took over his mind.


    Herace was crying sadly with her eyes closed. What the hell is she doing with his brother in her dream? Her facial expression, every syllable, and the tone of her voice, they were all tender. Ezekiel stopped the urge to cut off her slender fingers as she sobbed.


    Jealousy was a shadow that always stuck to him and only varied in intensity. A huge shadow swallowed the strangely shaking golden eyes. He quietly placed a hand on his wife¡¯s lips. Originally, her thin lips were soft and red, but due to being ill, they were now pale and dry.


    ¡°Charles¡­¡­ I¡­¡­ I¡¯m¡­¡­.¡±


    He didn¡¯t want to hear it. Ezekiel bowed his head towards his wife and kissed her mouth. He took her breath, remembering the other man¡¯s name. He could feel his wife suffocating and her body twisting from the pain.


    However, instead of stopping, Ezekiel kissed Herace deeper. As his tongue blocked her throat, her convulsing, struggling hand suddenly fell.


    Only after his wife reached her limit did Ezekiel stop. Herace took a deep breath and slowly opened her eyes.


    ¡°Ah¡­.¡±


    Her blue eyes were still filled with tears. But it was too soon for her eyes to dry. The real nightmare is just about to begin¡­.


    Herace, who recognized her husband, raised her body but coughed as she tried to call him. There was a glass of water on the table right next to the bed, but he only stared at his coughing wife, not offering water nor patting her back affectionately.


    Instead, he watched her without blinking, drinking in his wife¡¯s every breath.


    ¡°Ezekiel¡­¡­.¡±


    After a while, Herace faced the real him. There was insanity in his eyes, as if his persistent gaze would swallow her whole. Herace, who smiled awkwardly at him who had been by her side, became frightened and backed away. However, what touched her hand was the solid headboard so there was nowhere to escape.


    Ezekiel followed her as she was about to retreat and placed his hand on her slender neck. Her neck, exposed beneath her white face, was thin enough to be gripped by only one of her man¡¯s hands.


    Only half of the man¡¯s silhouette, hidden in the dark shadow, was clear. He asked Herace in a low voice and shadowed eyes.


    ¡°¡­Who is Erzen¡¯s father?¡±


    The man was already on the bed. He placed his hand on Herace¡¯s neck, as if he would choke her at any moment. However, despite the hand that threatened her and the harsh gaze, Herace did not turn her eyes away. She couldn¡¯t believe her husband¡¯s words. Her blue eyes tinged with astonishment, stared at the man¡¯s firm lips.


    ¡°What do you mean¡­¡­ What¡­¡­¡±


    The color of her lips, which had barely regained color, became pale again. Herace remembered what she had heard and barely clasped her trembling hands. When she didn¡¯t hide her stunned look, Ezekiel moved a little closer to her. His cold, sharp gaze seemed as if it would swallow Herace down at any moment.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s too difficult to understand.¡±


    ¡°Literally. Who is Erzen¡¯s father? Be honest.¡±


    Erzen¡¯s father¡­¡­ Herace repeated those words over and over again in her hazy mind. No matter how many times she thought about it, she felt the meaning behind those words. Words that were accusing her of infidelity.


    Unbelievable. Her husband dared to ask her if she had done something unclean.


    Herace placed a hand on Ezekiel¡¯s cheek, her entire face contorted. The man subtly withdrew his hand as she placed her hand on his face. As his wife¡¯s hand touched his cheek, his gold eyes met her dispirited blue eyes.


    ¡°E-Ezekiel, don¡¯t mess with me. Erzen¡¯s father? How cruel.


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Where did you get that¡­ that kind of nonsense¡­?¡±


    The hand stroking his cheek trembled as the words came out of her mouth. Her tired face, like her bluish eyes, was clear in the dark room.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re misunderstanding, but you should tell me right now.¡±


    ¡°T-Tell me this is a mistake¡­ Tell me it¡¯s a mistake! Right now!¡±


    The end of her voice was sharp, filled with a sense of urgency. Her white hand, which was hovering over her man¡¯s cheek, went down and grabbed his white shirt. The top, embroidered in the shape of a vine, was crumpled.


    The man did not respond to Herace¡¯s harsh behavior. He had no reaction to his wife¡¯s face that looked like she was about to collapse, nor the crumpled hem of his clothes. Looking at his wife with a long, indifferent face, he spoke calmly.


    ¡°¡­¡­. Is it even mine?¡±


    Harace shouted at the brutal words.


    ¡°What¡­! Erzen is our child. Because I love you¡­. He¡¯s our God-given child that we had together!¡±


    At first glance, she seemed angry, but in a way, she seemed to be pleading. Herace shook him with his collar in her hand, but the man¡¯s body stood firm.


    While Herace tried to give all her strength to her actions, in the end, she was the only one swaying back and forth. The useless struggle gradually weakened and stopped at some point. She quietly bowed her head, pouring out her sorrow.


    In fact, Herace still couldn¡¯t fathom it. That her husband could utter something like that¡­


    ¡°H-How could you say that¡­¡­¡±


    As Herace trembled and shed tears, Ezekiel grabbed her by the shoulders and pulled her towards him. Although the force was not very strong, the exhausted Herace was dragged by him without even being able to resist properly.


    ¡°Herace, if you want to make me believe¡­¡±


    At some point, Herace lay down again. Her man brushed and stroked her wet cheeks. Her tiny ears were exposed through her scattered dark hair. He leaned towards her and spoke slowly in a gentle voice.


    ¡°¡­¡­You should have given birth to a baby who looked like me so you wouldn¡¯t be crying like this. Then you would have proved your innocence. But since you tried to deceive me like this, no matter how in love I was with you, wouldn¡¯t I have gone crazy?¡±


    It was like teaching numbers to a child for the first time, but the content was close to bitter criticism. It wasn¡¯t enough to compare Erzen to an illegitimate child, but when he said that he was certain of her unfaithfulness, Herace¡¯s body contorted, then she raised her voice.


    ¡°I¡¯m telling you no! Why¡­ Why do you have such a misunderstanding? Ezekiel, please¡­¡±


    It was suffocating. Emotions that cannot be explained with words took over her body. It felt like her lungs were hardening as well as her breathing. Herace panted like a fish trapped in a dry lake due to a drought.


    It¡¯s not like he was holding her neck like before¡­ With a blurry vision, Herace who could barely breathe, tried to push him away. Even so, it was hard for her to stand up to his body that was attached to her.


    It wasn¡¯t like this a year ago. The sight of his silver hair shimmering like the moonlight and eyes gleaming like gold put her mind at ease. When her husband¡¯s breath touched her, the corners of her lips went up on their own. When his hands touched hers, warmth would slowly spread throughout her whole body.


    ¡®Why¡­?¡¯


    But now it wasn¡¯t. Now just looking at him suffocated her. Herace struggled to escape from this terrible pressure.


    Ezekiel drew closer to his wife who was pushing him away. Herace tried to shake him off and knock him away but it was futile.


    ¡°Don¡¯t make that sad face. Your son, even if not as much as Miguel, is there any part of him that resembles me?¡±


    The sudden words interrupted her thoughts. Her body stiffened as if a dagger had pierced her heart. Erzen certainly didn¡¯t have much resemblance to his father, Ezekiel. He was different from the woman¡¯s son who looked exactly like him.


    Erzen resembled Herace and no one could say otherwise. His natural dark hair, his overall outline, and his gentle blue eyes were all from her.


    Whenever Herace saw her son, she felt sorry for him. If only he resembled his father, instead of her who was of no help, Ezekiel¡¯s attitude towards Erzen would have changed. There were many times when she shed tears alone as she thought about it.


    ¡°He should have had the same hair color or eyes as me. That¡¯s how my suspicions would have gone away. But Herace, he only looks like you, right?¡±


    Suspicions of him being a product of adultery were absurd. Erzen was a baby who had not yet grown up properly. No one knew what he would look like once he¡¯s older. Besides, according to Ezekiel¡¯s words, did that mean all children who did not look like their fathers were products of promiscuity?

 CH 19

    Herace trembled. Her husband¡¯s callousness and brutality made her shiver. She grumbled and stared at Ezekiel.


    ¡°If you¡¯re only suspicious of me and Erzen because of that kind of thing¡­¡±


    ¡°Of course that¡¯s not the whole reason. In fact, it¡¯s none of my business what your son looks like.¡±


    It was a baffling attitude. Confused, Herace bit her lips. She was speechless and again burst into tears due to her indescribable emotions. Something like that. Their son¡­


    He truly thought that Erzen was not his own son.


    Despite Herace¡¯s mournful cries, Ezekiel¡¯s face did not change. He continued, focusing on the wife below him.


    ¡°¡­My doubts are solely your fault, Herace.¡±


    He swept his wife¡¯s soft hair and stroked her cheeks as if she was the most precious thing. The breath coming out of Ezekiel¡¯s mouth felt more like poison, like one made from a dragon¡¯s blood. It was spiteful. He exposed his dagger-like smile and began to gnaw at Herace.


    ¡°Herace, my beautiful wife¡­ How stunning you are.¡±


    The man¡¯s fingers ran across Herace¡¯s collarbone. Herace struggled nervously at the touch that felt more like a sting. Ezekiel grinned at his rebellious wife¡¯s tender body and forcibly pressed her down.


    ¡°Even if you are the blood of a sinner, your face and body are still attractive. Who would see you as a woman with a child?¡±


    ¡°Get off of me!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why I kept thinking about it. You¡¯ve become so vulgar and therefore so corrupt¡­¡±


    ¡°Let go of me!¡±


    ¡°¡­I was wondering how you spent the night with another guy, perhaps making eye contact with him and then kissing him.¡±


    Herace took a deep breath, bewildered by Ezekiel¡¯s touch.


    Even so, she was sick. It was hard for her to move and after being treated like this with all kinds of insults, she trembled feeling like she was going to faint at any moment.


    However, Ezekiel who was watching his wife¡¯s expression remained calm. He raised the corners of his lips, stroking Herace¡¯s pale face filled with fear.


    ¡°You would have smiled at him with this face. And then you would have swept his cheek with this hand¡­ ¡°


    ¡°¡­..¡±


    ¡°¡­He would have kissed you here.¡±


    Just like he did her.


    The man¡¯s lips touched her lightly. Herace¡¯s body stiffened in an instant and opened her eyes to examine her husband¡¯s intentions. He looked too calm. As if he was in a different world from her.


    ¡°You, who are sweet and caring, might have cried. Whispering to him with that mouth and with tears in those eyes. Looking pitiful. And then, naturally¡­¡±


    Ezekiel¡¯s golden eyes slowly deepened as he remembered something without speaking. Then, in the end, it completely subsided. He stared at her with eyes that had lost their light, as if he were an uncouth beast. Her man¡¯s hand pulled her tightly tied ribbon.


    ¡°¡­¡­I¡¯ve always thought. Was it really my seed that was born from you? Or the b*stard who spent the night with you-¡°


    Slap!


    The languid voice, which seemed to continue endlessly, stopped at the harsh sound. Herace had raised her hand and slapped his cheek without a moment of hesitation. It was an uncomfortable action, but she had to hit her husband somehow. She couldn¡¯t stand it.


    ¡°W-Why would you say that!¡±


    ¡°¡­..¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s you, Ezekiel, who brought in another woman! But what? Night¡­ I spent the night?¡±


    ¡°¡­..¡±


    ¡°You madman! Ezekiel, you¡¯ve gone crazy! You¡¯re insane!¡±


    That was the most Herace could muster to express her anger. She yelled at her husband and incessantly called him crazy. She was bitter and engulfed in anger more than usual.


    However, as always, her weak physical strength was a problem. Herace had exhausted almost all of her energy with just one strike of Ezekiel¡¯s cheek. Her body wobbled a couple of times and she eventually slumped.


    ¡°How could you say that! About me.. About Erzen.. You.. How¡­ hic¡°


    ¡°¡­..¡±


    ¡°¡­Even if you hate me¡­ Even if you love that girl now. I¡¯ve always thought of you¡­ Ezekiel how could you¡­ I-I thought¡­¡±


    The only thing that moved freely was her mouth. Herace calmly uttered to her husband, who only looked at her without saying a word.


    She lost her reason for a moment when she was cursing him. Why was he acting so terribly? Why would he say such a vicious thing and push her and her child to the edge?


    ¡°If you¡¯re going to insult me like this¡­ If you¡¯re trying to force me to step down by doing this, there¡¯s no need to go through so much trouble.¡±


    ¡°If you want to give the woman you¡¯re with the seat next to you, go ahead! Give the boy who looks like you the heir position! Give it to them! Do what you want!¡±


    As she thought about it, there was only one reason. It was very likely that Ezekiel was doing this for the woman and her son. She was inferior to the woman he brought. Herace was a criminal therefore she couldn¡¯t compare to her.


    Ezekiel was supporting their son, and it made sense to later make the blood of the mistress from humble origins his successor. That was why he was trying to get rid of Herace and her son in advance, as they will become a hindrance. It was much better to have a stable successor instead of a precarious heir from the wife whose father had committed treason.


    She didn¡¯t want to believe it, but Herace admitted it. She knew that the tip of his sword was pointed at her. So, before they were hurt any further, the abandoned had to step down on their own.


    Although Ezekiel was kind to everyone, he was cold-hearted towards his enemies and showed no mercy. They would leave when he had shown them the slightest bit of mercy, or else they would one day be brutally slaughtered at the hands of this man, as his enemies had been.


    ¡°Anyway you¡¯re now¡­¡­ hic.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­ ¡°


    ¡°¡­¡­Erzen and I, we don¡¯t need people like you, we don¡¯t. So¡­ ¡°


    Her sobbing, as she forced herself to lie, continued for a long time. Herace, unable to finish her words, burst into tears over and over again.


    ¡°S-So¡­¡­ hic.¡±


    It was very difficult for her to say those words.


    To Herace, he was still her love. The savior who brought her out of that d*mn dungeon. The man who finally took care of her pitiful self and the father of her one and only son. To separate from him, her heart felt like she was going to die.


    But now she had to end it. The insult against her was tolerable, but her husband, whose love had grown cold, threatened even their son.


    Children grew up quickly and would one day understand such words. When that time comes, what will she say to the poor child?


    Herace forced their love to end. She didn¡¯t want to be hurt anymore.


    She was also afraid of the sword pointed at her to be directed towards Erzen. She couldn¡¯t stand it any longer, she can¡¯t take much more.


    Herace, who had been tightly holding back her tears, stopped breathing for a moment and looked up at Ezekiel. The man had furrowed brows, but compared to Herace, he was almost expressionless.


    After barely calming her trembling lips, Herace spoke with difficulty but clearly.


    ¡°¡­¡­We can stop now.¡±


    **********


    Restraint


    Having said that, Herace lowered her eyes. She did not have the confidence to hear his response.


    There was no answer from the other party for a while. Herace opened her eyes and looked up, even though she was very nervous when her husband, who seemed like a fool, didn¡¯t even move a little. She took a deep breath and soon regretted her decision.


    The moment his gold eyes met hers, her body stiffened on its own, like a rat facing a snake. There was no response, so she thought it was strange.


    On the surface, Ezekiel¡¯s indifferent expression was not different from before. Rather, at first glance, it seemed that the crumpled forehead had smoothed and the irritation had disappeared.


    However, the expression that appeared on the indifferent face was a horrendous mask. An expression that seemed like it would kill several people at once flashed across the man¡¯s face.


    Even a knight who had been fighting his whole life on the battlefield would¡¯ve felt terrified, retreat and run away. Herace trembled like a tree blown by the wind when a sharp aura that seemed to strike her neck turned towards her.


    ¡°Herace.¡±


    After a considerable amount of time, Ezekiel finally called his wife¡¯s name. Hearing the voice, Herace was convinced. He was barely holding back his anger. His tight jaw and and the shape of his muscles moving under his shirt were ferocious as if they were about to pop out.


    She thought he would easily accept since he wasn¡¯t happy. Not knowing what to do, Herace rolled her lips and asked. The man¡¯s eyes touched her lips as white as her face.


    ¡°I want to stop now.¡±


    With a hoarse voice, she felt that her soft shoulders were firmly held, and the body that was lying on top of her stood up in an instant. Soon after, the man grabbed her by the nape of her neck.


    ¡°I¡­¡­ Ugh!¡±


    Herace, who was pulled forward almost as if thrown away, screamed. The blanket crumpled under her knees as she was forced to kneel.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tremble like an id*ot, say it properly. What do you want to stop doing?¡±


    Ezekiel was like a giant holding Herace. He grabbed his wife¡¯s chin and lifted it up. Herace groaned in pain as if her neck was about to be ripped out then opened her mouth with difficulty. Her sadness and anger had completely disappeared.


    ¡°I¡­ I just need Erzen. So, I mean¡­¡±


    ¡°So you¡¯re gonna leave here with your baby?¡±


    Herace smiled affirmatively on his face as she looked at him. She was full of tears, but only her determined expression revealed a firm meaning.


    ¡°¡­¡­It¡¯s not even funny.¡±


    Ezekiel said bitterly. He gripped his wife¡¯s hair and twisted it at an angle. Pain was felt as the long neck was hung like a hunted roe deer.


    Herace struggled as she tried to pull off the hand holding her face.


    She couldn¡¯t understand her husband at all. She would leave on her own and won¡¯t bother him¡­ Why was he doing this to her when she was leaving? The fear disappeared for a moment due to the resentment.


    ¡°You don¡¯t like being with me anyway!¡±


    Ezekiel¡¯s eyes narrowed as Herace stared at him and shouted. He slightly loosened his grip and asked Herace.


    ¡°¡­¡­.Why do you think so?¡±


    ¡°Why do you think I don¡¯t want to be with you?¡±

 CH 20

    Warning: This chapter may contain psychological, emotional or physical ab*se.


    Herace faltered at her husband¡¯s relaxed attitude and looked into his eyes. Ezekiel urged her to speak with a gesture of his chin.


    Herace lowered her eyelids and tried to answer as calmly as possible. However, her tears did not go away and her words were filled with sorrow.


    ¡°Y-You don¡¯t love me anymore. You don¡¯t care about me and you don¡¯t treat me the way you used to¡­So if it¡¯s going to be uncomfortable for you, I¡¯d rather just stop¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­..¡±


    ¡°¡­I think it¡¯s right for me to leave. It¡¯ll be easier for you. I¡¯m no help to you anyway.¡±


    ¡°¡­..¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll leave quietly. I don¡¯t want anything. Just enough to leave with Erzen¡­ If you give me that much money, then I can do it on my own¡­ Ah!¡±


    As Herace continued to speak, Ezekiel¡¯s expression gradually hardened. Eventually, he grabbed his wife¡¯s chin again. He pulled his wife¡¯s face closer and spoke in a low tone.


    ¡°¡­¡­Yes, that¡¯s right. I can¡¯t take care of you the way I used to.¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­.¡±


    ¡°As you said, my g*dd*mn heart has changed. But, Herace, it seems you are misunderstanding something¡­ When did I allow you to leave?¡±


    ¡°¡­..¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡­Or were you planning to go to your child¡¯s father with that as an excuse?¡±


    He flipped the story around. Now she was really confused.


    Was he framing her for the sake of his woman and child? Or did he really believe she cheated on him? Did he? Either way, Herace was suffocating and losing her mind.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m telling you that¡¯s not true¡­¡±


    I hate you! I hate you so much!


    Herace raised her nails. Shaking her head as he held her, she scratched the hand that was holding her face. There were red streaks on the back of her man¡¯s hand, and drops of blood were dripping.


    Still, Ezekiel did not hesitate. He threw Herace to the side. Herace collapsed. Before she could lift her head and raise her body, Ezekiel reached out to her. Blood was dripping from the back of his hand, which he placed on his wife¡¯s cheek.


    ¡°Herace, as long as you¡¯re beautiful, I will not abandon you. Why would I easily give up on you when I brought you here at such a high price? There¡¯s still a lot to use.¡±


    [T/N: Not that she, as a person, was useful. It was more like her body.]


    She was scared of Ezekiel. He didn¡¯t care for her in the slightest, as he only thought to use her as a mere object for his lust.


    ¡°I think you¡¯re complaining because my attitude was not as good as it was in the past, but don¡¯t get me wrong. Whether I change or not, it has nothing to do with you. Whether I care for you, love you, or hate you, you will stay here unless I say otherwise.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m¡­.¡±


    ¡°Of course, even if you are cheating. You can¡¯t go anywhere with my name. Do you understand?¡±


    She couldn¡¯t speak. Herace has now even given up on denying it.


    An uncontrollable anger erupted from Ezekiel¡¯s eyes as she drooped and shed tears. He placed his hand on the back of his wife¡¯s head and grabbed hold of her long hair and gripped it tightly.


    ¡°Ahh¡­!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­Why do you look like that? Do you feel wronged?¡±


    The unresponsive wife annoyed him. If she had resisted, he wouldn¡¯t have been so angry.


    His wife was always like this. Even when he brought the mistress and openly ignored her, she always had a pitiful face. Even after the excessive remarks he made, she only cried.


    [T/N: This guy¡­ (¨s ?*?¡ñ ?*)¨s©ß©¥©ß ]


    Ezekiel thought of that day every time Herace was like this, he became out of breath. Nausea came up and his head seemed to keep spinning.


    ¡°There is no need to be sad. It seems you forgot again, but you were a reward given to me. You probably thought you always had the freedom to do anything¡­ But you shouldn¡¯t be mistaken.¡±


    ¡°Huu¡­ ¡°


    ¡°At that time, I said that if you want to maintain a decent position, you should try your best. Why would you do that?¡±


    His mouth was talking nonstop, but the scene from that day kept running through his mind. The more he thought of his smiling wife, the more crumpled his face became. Looking at it, the reason was out of control.


    Why do you always look like this in front of me? Why don¡¯t you look at me?


    ¡°You must have thought you needed to be careful because you could be kicked out, but that¡¯s a big misconception. That meant that your situation could change depending on how I felt.¡±


    ¡°¡­..¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re going to be this st*pid I¡¯m going to make you a mistress, or even a slave. However, there is no way that you, Herace, will leave this castle voluntarily. So if you say that you want to end things one more time, I¡¯ll really send you and your bastard as slaves then.¡±


    ¡°D-Don¡¯t do that. I¡¯ll¡­¡±


    When he made the child hostage, Herace¡¯s eyes widened. She put her hand on her chest as her eyes tembled. Ezekiel, noticing the opponent¡¯s weakness, wickedly raised his lips.


    ¡°Don¡¯t just listen and make sure to remember it clearly. If you go against my will¡­ You will fall straight into slavery. After that, your son, well I don¡¯t care, I¡¯ll sell him to a suitable place¡­ ¡±


    There was no time to worry about the situation she was in right now. Herace did not even dare to speak against the rude remark that he was selling their son. Her eyes, terrified, looked at her husband as if begging.


    ¡°¡­Herace, you¡¯d be better off locked up in my bedroom. Seriously, this is all I¡¯m going to get from you, so there¡¯s nothing wrong with doing it right now. How about it? Do you really want to do that?¡±


    [T/N: He was referring to her wanting to leave.]


    Herace shook her head harshly. Like a creature begging him not to punish her as if he were a god.


    Ezekiel was very pleased with his wife. He rolled up his wife¡¯s dress this time.


    When her pale skin was exposed, his mind calmed down strangely quickly. He spoke more slowly than before.


    ¡°No? Then you know what to do, do it right. Because this once is enough for you to run wild without understanding your situation.¡±


    Herace swallowed a cry and nodded slowly. Ezekiel kissed her lightly as if he was giving her a prize, then lifted her up on top of him. Herace, who immediately looked down at her husband, gazed at him with a puzzled face and stared at the reddened corners of his eyes.


    ¡°¡­If you understand, you should try to show affection to me first. Even a lamb trembles and behaves well. Make me feel a little bit better now.¡±


    Herace¡¯s body hardened in an instant at her husband¡¯s humiliating command. She somehow reached out her trembling hand and placed it on her husband¡¯s chest.


    ¡°How dare you say things like quitting or leaving me? I feel disturbed. It¡¯s crazy.¡±


    Ezekiel¡¯s voice became drowsy as her slender fingers touched him, leaving him tantalized. However, the words he spit out were still poisonous, and in the end, Herace burst into tears again.


    The hand that had barely touched him pulled back. Herace wiped away her tears, as she remembered the words that she had done something wrong. Her husband¡¯s words were so frightening. Her hands were trembling because she was really afraid he would do it.


    Ezekiel, who looked at his wife, took a long sigh and clicked his tongue. He said as he dragged her little hand, covered in tears, back to him.


    ¡°¡­¡­My wife is really a pain.¡±


    **********


    The remaining heat in the room was thick. However, the heat was unpleasant rather than warm, and the atmosphere in the room was dark.


    ¡°From now on, in the evening, you¡¯ll find me first. If I have work, I¡¯ll send someone to inform you that you don¡¯t need to come.¡±


    Ezekiel stood up and said, fixing his shirt. Unlike Herace, he now looked presentable.


    Herace, who had been sagging helplessly, nodded her head slightly. He must have seen her feeble movements, Ezekiel sat back on the bed, dissatisfied with his wife¡¯s attitude.


    Ezekiel reached out and placed a hand on his wife¡¯s exposed shoulder. His large, slightly open hands were warm, but Herace shrinked against her husband¡¯s touch. Ezekiel frowned upon seeing his wife shuddering. He softly murmured.


    ¡°Harace, you have to answer properly.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.Yes.¡±


    There was no hope in her hoarse voice. After answering, Ezekiel removed his hand when he saw his wife coughing a couple of times.


    ¡°Then take a rest.¡±


    Harsh footsteps were heard, and then the sound of a door opening and closing. Herace, who had presumed that Ezekiel had left, curled up in a ball, releasing the pent up emotions she had been holding back.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m leaving. I¡¯m going to leave¡­ hic.¡±


    **********


    ¡°What did my wife ask you today?¡±


    ¡°They were no different than usual. She asked me how Master Erzen was, and the rest of the questions were¡­ ah!¡±


    The doctor bowed deeply as he answered, and then straightened his back as if he had remembered something. Ezekiel, who was sitting in front of him, was looking at the papers with an expressionless face, then stopped his pen and raised his head. The doctor swallowed and continued as he stared at him.


    ¡°¡­The Madam asked me when she could start going out. She said she wanted to take the Young Master to Lake Aunue.¡±


    ¡°So what did you say?¡±


    ¡°The Young Master is still weak so a short walk is more appropriate.¡±


    She probably was depressed again when she was told that the child was weak.


    Ezekiel recalled his wife who would be focusing on caring for the child. Her blue eyes would be staring at the child, and her small hands would move, feeling pity for the child. Her small mouth will constantly be saying, ¡®I¡¯m sorry¡¯. Or ¡®I love you¡¯. Words like that.


    His mood plummeted in an instant. When he put too much strength in the hand holding the pen, a popping sound was heard. The doctor shivered and bowed his head. Ezekiel motioned for him to get out in annoyance.


    Left alone, Ezekiel stood by the window and looked out. Lake Aunue¡­¡­ It was a place that made his wife¡¯s eyes shine just by looking at it.


    ¡®It¡¯s been quite a while since we went together¡­¡¯


    Come to think of it, they haven¡¯t been together for quite some time.


    Until a year ago, they stopped by the lake almost every week unless the weather was very bad. Herace was afraid of the deep lake, but liked it, so she would rest her head on his shoulder and watch the lake for hours.


    Of course, Ezekiel¡¯s eyes couldn¡¯t appreciate the blue lake or anything like that. Instead, he admired his wife¡¯s blue eyes that resembled the lake.


    ¡®I want to go to the lake¡­¡­¡¯


    It was nothing special, but he felt a sense of incongruity for no apparent reason. Ezekiel looked at the lake in the distance, then sat back down and tilted his head. Closing his eyes made him feel better.

 CH 21

    Warning: This chapter may contain psychological, emotional or physical ab*se.


    **********


    After breaking her morale once, his wife became more obedient. First of all, she never spoke back to him, she answered all of his questions, and it was obvious that she was careful of her every action. She struggled with her physical strength even on the bed, but she never complained, letting him do what he wanted.


    But Ezekiel was not satisfied. So he was often grumpy at his wife¡¯s efforts. He would leave because it was hard to overcome the emotional surge that kept lingering in his head. Luckily, the anger that swelled up would go away whenever he took his wife¡¯s body as much as he wanted in the bedroom.


    ¡®How dare you¡­¡¯


    As he remembered that day, he felt the urge to punish his wife again. In addition, she was impudent for not having done her job during the past few days.


    Thinking about what the most effective punishment would be, he picked the card that worked best against his wife at this time. It didn¡¯t matter if she cursed him because he was a bad guy. He¡¯s better off being the bad guy than burning his heart out.


    In the garden outside the window was a mother dog with her only pup. It was affectionate as it pushed the white baby under the white fur while breastfeeding.


    Ezekiel looked at the puppy and looked at it with displeased eyes. He said looking out the door.


    ¡°Anyone, come in.¡±


    At the Master¡¯s words, one of the servants who was always waiting outside came in. Ezekiel ordered him to call the butler of the castle. The servant who received his order left and not long after, an elderly butler came in. Ezekiel commanded him as he bowed deeply.


    ¡°Go get Erzen.¡±


    **********


    It had been less than 10 minutes since he gave the order. With the sound of urgent footsteps, the servant told him that his wife had come. Ezekiel ordered him to change the cold tea and have her wait.


    As he went through a few documents and drank tea, an hour had passed.


    ¡°You came early today.¡±


    ¡°¡­Why are you doing this?¡±


    Ezekiel quietly looked at his wife. She had been waiting for an hour, as expected, her eyes were wet and her hands were clasped together.


    I¡¯ll devour you. Ezekiel twisted his lips and looked at his wife, concealing his expression and turning his eyes to the papers. Then asked as if he did not understand what was going on.


    ¡°What are you asking?¡±


    ¡°Erzen! Why all of a sudden¡­¡­.¡±


    Unlike him who was calm, Herace¡¯s voice was sharp and desperate. But as soon as she raised her voice, a piercing gaze fell upon her.


    In the end, Herace bowed her head and finished her speech.


    ¡°¡­.. Taking him.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve said it over and over again. Don¡¯t cling to the child, just do what you¡¯re supposed to do.¡±


    He could see the small hands strain when he said she had to do her job. But wasn¡¯t it true? His wife hasn¡¯t done her job properly in the past few days.


    After hearing the threat of enslaving her son, Herace visited Ezekiel¡¯s bedroom every day. That was her new job, it was her daily routine.


    It was difficult but she laid in bed every night wearing a thin negligee as her husband had commanded. Her husband¡¯s threats weren¡¯t something to make light of, so Herace looked for him every night.


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t help it because I wasn¡¯t feeling well. And Erzen kept crying¡­¡±


    ¡°So?¡±


    ¡°It was only a few days. I was doing well before that. Every day, except when things go wrong¡­ I went to you. You know that, Ezekiel.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s your opinion, it¡¯s different from mine.¡±


    ¡°¡­..¡±


    ¡°You keep making excuses for being sick. This week alone, you skipped three days because of your illness.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t make such excuses. I don¡¯t want to hear it. A sick person took care of a child. Do you think I¡¯m a fool because I haven¡¯t said much for a few days?¡±


    What Ezekiel said was true, she had no excuse.


    However, there was no problem in taking care of Erzen even though her body was so sick that it was unbearable. At least her son didn¡¯t push her as hard as his father did. However, such words would not reach her husband.


    In the end, Herace approached Ezekiel, bowed her head, and said in a low voice.


    ¡°¡­I was wrong.¡±


    ¡°¡­..¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m telling you, I can do better. So return Erzen back to me. As it is, the time we spent together has decreased these days. He should be in my arms.¡±


    What can she do better? Even as she spoke, Herace laughed at herself. She had no choice but to plead to her husband.


    ¡°Ezekiel, please. Please¡­ Forgive me just once. If you return Erzen, I will do nothing to offend you from now on.¡±


    Kneeling in front of Ezekiel, she begged earnestly, barely holding her neck up. Her speech was slowed by a cry in the middle, but fortunately she didn¡¯t stop.


    Ezekiel looked down at his wife. Maybe it¡¯s because she was wearing a light cream dress. His wife was more neat and beautiful than yesterday. Below her face, the long neck and the line that fell finely beneath it, made her man swallow once.


    He pulled Herace up. As he buried his head between his wife¡¯s neck and shoulder, hugging her soft waist, her unique smell tickled his nose. He said in a more relaxed voice.


    ¡°Okay. If you do what you¡¯re told, I¡¯ll think about the child again.¡±


    Herace, who had been quietly responding to the damp touch, raised her head and met his eyes. Amidst the face full of doubts, hope and anxiety could be seen.


    He gently sucked the nape of his wife¡¯s neck then Ezekiel stood up.


    ¡°You know Miguel¡¯s 100th day banquet is coming up soon, right?¡±


    Her blue eyes filled with a little sadness. There was no way she didn¡¯t know. The castle was bustling with preparations for the banquet. The one hundredth day banquet¡­ It was an opportunity that Erzen would not get. When Herace couldn¡¯t hide her mournful face at that fact, a twisted pleasure settled in Ezekiel¡¯s gold eyes. He buried his face in Herace¡¯s neck as if begging for an answer, and Herace groaned and nodded her head.


    ¡°¡­¡­Yes.¡±


    ¡°Originally, you wouldn¡¯t be attending, but Charlotte said she really wanted your congratulations.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­ ¡±


    ¡°Prepare gifts and greetings for Miguel. As my wife and hostess of this castle, you shouldn¡¯t be lacking.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°¡­You don¡¯t want to? You don¡¯t look too good.¡±


    She didn¡¯t want to. She didn¡¯t even want to go there in the first place.


    That day when he first told her to stay in her room quietly, she was saddened, but now she was filled with both misery and sorrow. But Herace did not have the right to refuse even if she wanted to.


    She forced herself to smile so as not to provoke her husband.


    ¡°¡­¡­No, I¡¯ll do it. I can do it. Then Erzen¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll have to see what you do that day then decide. Why? Do you have a problem?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­No. Can you do one thing for me instead?¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°It would be difficult for a single nanny to take care of Erzen. There are many other servants, but he¡¯s not familiar with their faces, so Erzen¡¯s probably going to be shy¡­¡±


    Ezekiel did not hide his displeasure. He was vexed at his wife who continued to think of Erzen. The man¡¯s head lifted up, and a sharp voice cut through Herace¡¯s words.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure I just told you. Your child¡¯s business will be decided after Miguel¡¯s banquet, didn¡¯t you hear? Or are you just stubborn?¡±


    Herace trembled as the grip on her waist became a little stronger. She replied, shaking her head posthaste.


    ¡°I¡¯m not saying I¡¯ll go there. Instead, I was going to ask to send Anna to Erzen¡¯s side. She¡¯s the one who took care of Erzen with me. If Anna goes, the nanny and Erzen will be more comfortable.¡±


    Hearing the reason, Ezekiel¡¯s face got better. Still, he hated the maid who stayed with his wife almost every hour. How good was it that she had been with his wife since childhood. If that annoying face disappears with the child he didn¡¯t want to see, he will definitely be more comfortable.


    Ezekiel nodded gladly.


    ¡°All right, I¡¯ll let you do that.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­Thank you.¡±


    ¡°I am looking forward to it. Even though Miguel didn¡¯t come from your womb, unlike someone else, he¡¯s definitely my child, right? It would be good for others to see that you, my wife, care for him in many ways.¡±


    Of course, that didn¡¯t stop him from harassing his wife. Ezekiel was prickly even when things were done as he wanted. Herace, realizing the meaning of his words, clenched her right hand with her left.


    Although it was saddening to see her shiver, it gave him a faint euphoria. Ezekiel lifted his wife¡¯s chin slightly with his finger. Blue eyes full of contempt and sadness were like Lake Aunue in the middle of winter.


    ¡°¡­¡­Get ready to go out tomorrow.¡±


    They were eyes he didn¡¯t get tired of looking at all the time. His wife was pretty in every corner, but her eyes were particularly beautiful. Whether she laughed or cried, he wanted to keep it all to himself.


    Ezekiel kissed his wife impulsively. A light but long kiss followed with only their lips overlapping.


    Despite the suddenness, Herace did not resist. She just opened her eyes wide in surprise. She then relaxed and stayed still as her husband would have wanted.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to Lake Aunue. I thought it would be good for you to accompany me after a long time.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.I see.¡±


    After a while, Ezekiel opened his mouth and gave a blunt command. He felt strangely impatient when he should¡¯ve been satisfied with his obedient wife. He stared intently at his wife.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be on my way.¡±


    After not speaking for a long time, Herace cautiously pulled away from his arms. Ezekiel snatched Herace¡¯s hand as the creamy soft cloth slipped out of his hand.


    Herace, who was about to turn, looked at him. The irritation that had made his heart ache was slightly gone. Ezekiel whispered as he pulled Herace back into his arms.


    ¡°¡­¡­It¡¯s not that long before dark.¡±


    ¡°¡­..¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t bother going back and forth, just stay here. You have to come soon anyway. I know you¡¯ve already had dinner.¡±


    ¡°But I have to send Anna to Erzen and¡­¡±


    The child¡­ It was that child again. Ezekiel did not hide his annoyance.


    ¡°You can ask the servant to send her. Rather, I want you to go to the bedroom first.¡±


    At the man¡¯s one-sided command, her last hope to see the child vanished. As the hope she had barely held on disappeared, Herace¡¯s face looked empty.


    ¡®It will be hard to see him for a while¡­¡­¡¯


    She lowered her eyes as she looked at the still bright light outside. The sun out of the window was half over the horizon. Her man hugged her tightly as if to urge her to answer.


    Herace leaned her head on his broad shoulder and spoke the words her man wanted.


    ¡°¡­¡­ I¡¯ll do as you please.¡±

 CH 22

    Warning: This chapter may contain psychological, emotional or physical ab*se.


    **********


    The sky was bright and blue. The wide surface of Lake Aunue sparkled like a fish¡¯s scales in the sun.


    Next to Herace, who got off the wagon, was a maid who held a parasol casting a shadow on her. Still, Herace, who held her hand above her eyes, slowly looked up at the sky.


    Ezekiel, who arrived first, can be seen standing affectionately with his mistress. The two, who stood close to a large black horse, appeared to have come riding together.


    ¡°Ezekiel, I was so scared. It¡¯s still incomparable to riding in a horse-drawn carriage.¡±


    [T/N: Hold on a sec, let me grab some pineapple juice *sigh.]


    ¡°You¡¯ll get used to it soon. I¡¯ll be going out a lot because the weather has gotten better. I¡¯ll bring you out often too.¡±


    Although he was far away, his voice was clear. Herace made a bitter face as she looked at the two of them standing like lovers.


    [Would you like to ride a horse with me to the lake? Charlotte said she wanted a ride, but I¡¯m asking you first. What do you think?]


    [I¡¯m fine, so do as you please. If you want to ride with her, you don¡¯t have to care about me.]


    [Hah! Care? Why would I care about you?]


    [I don¡¯t mean that¡­]


    [¡­ Prepare the wagon. Use it when it arrives.]


    Still, the decision seemed right. Herace was a little worried because he went nuclear while they talked before leaving.


    ¡°I¡¯m¡­ Ezekiel. Your wife is over there, too. What should I do?¡±


    Nevertheless, seeing the husband who teased the mistress still felt awkward. I think I¡¯ll get used to it, but¡­ Herace lowered her eyes and turned her steps.


    ¡®¡­I should have pretended I was sick. I shouldn¡¯t have come. Once Ezekiel left, I could have gone to see Erzen in secret.¡¯


    Her heart burned when she thought of Erzen. She sent Anna, but she got emotional when she heard that Erzen was crying from time to time. The child was sobbing on the bed and was crying in search of his mother.


    [E-Ezekiel¡­ Ugh! Just once¡­ If I can just go to Erzen once¡­]


    [Herace, sh*t up. I don¡¯t want you to keep doing this. You want to go see your child at the separate house? Is that so?]


    Ezekiel said she was just overreacting to him crying, but Herace was sure. Erzen was definitely looking for his mother.


    The child who had seen his father¡¯s face only once clinged to his mother, Herace, as if he knew that his father was treating him with coldness. Even when she leaves the room and he cries, her lovely son stops when he is held in her arms¡­¡­. Herace thought that she would be okay with the world even if she only had Erzen in her arms.


    ¡°Madam, it¡¯s dangerous if you go down further.¡±


    Herace was walking aimlessly by the lakefront while thinking of Erzen, but the maid who was following her blocked her. Raising her head and looking in front of her, she realized that she was at the edge of the lake. Had she walked a little further and slipped on the slope, she might have fallen into the water.


    When Herace said she wanted to sit down, the maid spread the cloth she had brought on the flat ground.


    ¡°Madam, can I get you something? Although it is a warm day, the wind is cold, so I think warm black tea would be good.¡±


    As she sat down, the maid spoke cordially. Anna had asked to keep the maid by her side in place of her for a while. Did she say her name was Helen? Unlike other servants who became more blunt towards her as the days went by, this maid was quite polite and kind.


    ¡°Then I¡¯d be grateful.¡±


    ¡°Yes! I¡¯ll get it right away.¡±


    When the young maid disappeared, Herace¡¯s eyes turned to the lake.


    The deep blue Lake Aunue was as beautiful as its reputation. The water grass and rocks that grew at the estuary, as well as the wild flowers, seemed to be full of vitality. Occasionally, the sweetfish jumped out of the water with a popping sound. A smile fell on Herace¡¯s face as she looked at it after a long time.


    ¡°How pathetic.¡±


    However, Herace¡¯s brief peace did not last long. It was not her maid-in-waiting behind her, but Charlotte, her husband¡¯s mistress, who came closer.


    ¡°It¡¯s a beautiful day, but you look like a dog in the rain.¡±


    She didn¡¯t even tell her to sit down, but Charlotte sat down beside Herace as if it was natural. She spoke rudely and showed something in her arms towards Herace. The smiling child wrapped in white cloth was a familiar face.


    ¡°Oh, Miguel, you should look at your mother¡¯s face, not hers. There you go. That¡¯s right. Well done.¡±


    The child born on the same day as Erzen was quite large and looked healthy. Unlike Erzen, who still occasionally gasped, the child in Charlotte¡¯s arms smiled and stretched his arms around. Seeing this, it reminded her of Erzen, who would be crying in the castle for not having seen his mother. Herace no longer looked at Miguel and turned her head away.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to harden your face. I¡¯m also here to say thank you.¡±


    Charlotte, who was condescending with the child in her arms, covered her mouth and laughed. The thin green eyes were full of malice.


    ¡°I heard that you are attending Miguel¡¯s 100th-day banquet. I thought you wouldn¡¯t attend because you said you were sick¡­ After all, it seemed something that we¡¯ll only get to see when the world ends. When that day comes you might get sick and get a stomach ache.¡±


    ¡°¡­..¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ It doesn¡¯t really matter if you come or not. After all, there will be many guests other than the wife, and the protagonist of the day is Miguel, no matter what anyone says. Even without the wife¡¯s congratulations, I¡¯m sure many people will bless him. Unlike another kid who would be locked up in a corner of some room.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t insult my son.¡±


    Herace, who had been silent despite her sarcastic remarks, finally opened her mouth. She tried to ignore her, but the words about Erzen were unbearable.


    Her voice, filled with anger, contained a warning, but Charlotte¡¯s eyes lit up as if ready to strike at Herac¡¯s response.


    ¡°Hah! Are you going to talk like a noble again? It¡¯s no use. I know now.¡±


    ¡°¡­..¡±


    ¡°I heard your family disappeared. Treason, for God¡¯s sake¡­.. Even people like us don¡¯t do things that deserve such a wretched punishment.¡±


    The downfall of Devone. It was so famous that most of the castle servants knew about it. So Charlotte finding out wasn¡¯t that surprising. Still, Herace felt like she was stabbed by her husband¡¯s mistress, in one of the most painful places.


    ¡°Ezekiel told me. There was no need to bow my head, as the wife and I are the same. He looked so terrifying when he spoke of the treason. I was afraid he was going to cut off your head right away. As you know, Ezekiel is very loyal to His Majesty the Emperor.¡±


    Charlotte, who looked at Herace¡¯s face, smiled as she added her lies.


    Ezekiel never told her about Devone. She had found out through the nanny that nurtured her child, the nanny trembled as she told her, knowing that her neck would fall if the Master ever found out.


    ¡®In a way, she¡¯s a person inferior to me¡­¡¯


    It didn¡¯t matter whether the maid¡¯s neck fell or not. The most important thing for Charlotte now was to scratch Herace¡¯s nerves.


    She looked down at her son. The same golden eyes as his father were shining brightly. Alas¡­¡­. Charlotte, holding her proud son, began to whisper her harsher words.


    ¡°I¡¯m warning you, don¡¯t pretend to be a snob with that face in front of me.¡±


    ¡°¡­..¡±


    ¡°You took that place by bewitching a man with your face and a sinner¡¯s body in women¡¯s clothing, right? I¡¯m in a similar position, but don¡¯t you think it¡¯s rude to pretend to be a victim? No. But my parents weren¡¯t sinners, so am I more noble?¡±


    No matter how great her power was, it was not something a mistress should say. But Charlotte¡¯s courage was coming from somewhere, she held her son tightly in her arms as she spoke insanely.


    ¡°After this banquet is over, Miguel will be chosen as the successor. You¡¯ll get thrown out anyway. Of course, it would be better not to think about being kicked out nicely. After taking this ring and everything you have, I will throw you out of the castle naked.¡±


    The gold ring on the white finger shone brightly. Charlotte¡¯s eyes grew even more venomous when Herace finally didn¡¯t respond. She looked at Herace up and down and raised the corners of her lips. She was beautiful, but she was about to be kicked out. It was just right to throw insults and play with her anger.


    ¡°On the way, I¡¯ll give you a few men from time to time. Your face is pretty good, so you won¡¯t be thrown away. I don¡¯t know. Everyone will fight for you.¡±


    At Charlotte¡¯s words, Herace forced herself to endure the nausea. She wanted to throw up right away, but she hated giving in to her husband¡¯s mistress¡¯ twisted scrutiny.


    ¡°Or would you like me to introduce you to a place where you can work? It¡¯s a place I¡¯ve known before, and it¡¯s pretty decent. If you¡¯re prepared to get hit in the face a few times¡­¡±


    Charlotte¡¯s stabs continued and her words did not come to an end. A long shadow fell over them. Startled, Charlotte hurriedly looked back.


    Charlotte, recognizing the shadow¡¯s owner, smiled awkwardly. His ferocious golden eyes were staring at her. It was so cold and vicious that it would not be strange if she was cut right away.


    ¡°Hey, Ezekiel. When did you come? I wanted to talk to your wife¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­Get lost before I cut that head off.¡±


    The long sword hanging from the man¡¯s waist caught her eye. As Charlotte barely suppressed her fears, she clasped Miguel in her arms as if it were her shield.


    ¡°What, what¡­¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear? Get out of here if you don¡¯t want to die, get back to the castle now.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you all of a sudden? I want to stay a little longer¡­ ugh!¡±


    It didn¡¯t matter if she was holding a child. Ezekiel grabbed Charlotte by the shoulder and pulled her up. Charlotte, who was thrown back with the child in her arms, jumped to her feet and raised her voice.


    ¡°Miguel almost fell! How could you do this to me! I¡­¡­¡­.¡±


    Ezekiel looked at Charlotte¡¯s arms instead of her face. ¡®Yey¡¯, Miguel exclaimed. Herace had an anxious look on her face, fearing that her husband¡¯s wrath might be directed at the child.


    [T/N: Sweet Herace, worrying about the mistress¡¯ child ( ?¨i??? ?¨i)]


    ¡°¡­¡­ I see. I¡¯ll go first. I¡¯m going to leave now. Madam.¡±


    But somehow things ended peacefully.


    As her venomous eyes started to soften, Charlotte straightened her back. She calmly bowed to Ezekiel, followed by a polite greeting to Herace. Between her deeply bent body, the child¡¯s big eyes were clear. For a moment, Herace felt chills running down her back.

 CH 23

    Charlotte walked towards the carriage with a blank expression on her face. Herace looked up at her, who suddenly changed her demeanor, and had a strangely thicker shadow. Her husband was still displeased and had an angry face.


    ¡°Why were you just listening?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­What.¡±


    ¡°What that woman just said. Why were you just listening? You slapped her back then.¡±


    It was surprising to call his beloved mistress ¡®woman¡¯, but Herace closed her mouth in the end.


    At that time, she slapped that woman on the cheek, but she had suffered so much. The cheek had now subsided and left no marks, but the pain was rushing through them. As she tried to take her hand to her own cheek, she pulled her hand back and bit the inside of her mouth.


    ¡°All right, let¡¯s just leave it. Then do you have anything to say to me?¡±


    ¡°¡­..¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s great! That¡¯s really great!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­..¡±


    ¡°Hah, I didn¡¯t know you were almost mute. How many other people in the castle can hear your voice?¡±


    ¡°¡­..¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­ Weren¡¯t you a little chatty in bed? Even if you don¡¯t speak, you have a voice.¡±


    It was time for Herace to shut her eyes at the endless insults. She felt his savage hand on her arm, and her body stood up on its own.


    ¡°Where are we going?¡±


    Herace, who was walking in a hurry led by Ezekiel, gasped and asked. There was such a difference in stride that she was almost running.


    Ezekiel didn¡¯t say anything. When he dragged his wife with him with an unsettling expression, the servants stopped breathing.


    After a while, the place where Ezekiel stopped was the carriage that Herace used to go there. A large carriage, capable of riding six adults, was placed in a pile, separated from the horses. He forced Herace into the carriage and ordered the knight who followed him.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡­I¡¯m going back.¡±


    The knight stepped down at his command. When the door closed, Ezekiel jerked the curtains at the small window. Herace was thrown into a seat. When she hit herself against it, she looked at Ezekiel as she collapsed.


    ¡°You don¡¯t want to talk outside, so let¡¯s go back and listen to your voice. We didn¡¯t have enough conversation as a couple, did we?¡±


    Ezekiel, who roughly took off his coat and threw it on the floor, said in a terrifying way. Herace, who predicted what would happen once they returned to the castle, froze. Ezekiel burst out a nervous laugh at the sight, bowed his head and grabbed his wife¡¯s face.


    She thought she could feel her heart beating due to the man¡¯s hot hands, and then their lips touched. Herace closed her eyes and relaxed her body.


    How many days are left before Erzen turns 100 days old? Tears fell from Herace¡¯s eyes as she began to count the numbers.


    ***


    The only banquet guests were local keepers and vassals. However, as the main character of the banquet was the son of the castle owner, there was nothing missing even if it was small. Rather, it was too grand for a banquet for a child who was only a hundred days old. Some said that Ezekiel had fallen for the mistress too much like the previous Duke.


    But even those words could not dampen the excitement of the banquet. The people all celebrated the Duke¡¯s first child and enjoyed the most recent banquet held in a long time. While most of the castle was excited, there were only two places with a sullen atmosphere, the places where Herace and Erzen lived.


    Herace was quietly dressing up for the banquet. Anna, who had visited Herace¡¯s room with the pretext of preparation, was helping with the final touches. Several pearls matching the blue dress adorned Herace¡¯s dark hair.


    ¡°As always, you look beautiful.¡±


    Anna looked at her lady in the mirror and admired her. She¡¯d known her since she was a child, but every time she decorated her like this, she burst into tears of joy.


    ¡°So you have to keep your head up once you go down. Today, the main character is that illegitimate child, not her.¡±


    Anna added playfully, fixing Herace¡¯s hair a couple more times. But the end of her cheerful voice was trembling slightly. Herace put on her pearl earrings and calmly looked at her in the mirror. Anna¡¯s face, which could not hide her anxiety, was full of tension.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me. More than that¡­ Remember what I said. This is our only chance.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­Yes, my lady.¡±


    Even the playfulness that was forcibly created disappeared. Anna swallowed her saliva at Herace¡¯s words and nodded her head. Every time the secretly prepared vial dangled inside her sleeve pocket, her pounding heartbeat became louder.


    ¡®You¡¯re not even nervous. I¡¯m trembling as it is.¡¯


    Two people. No, three people planned to leave the Serpence Castle today. Herace seemed hesitant when she first mentioned running away, but after a serious illness a while ago, she said she would leave. She said it firmly. The exact reason was unknown, but Anna guessed that Ezekiel played a part in Herace¡¯s decision.


    Of course, she was very worried because Erzen was still too young and time was tight. But after Anna saw that Herace¡¯s body had turned red, she swallowed her anxiety and bit her tongue. Whatever the reason, they had to leave. Just looking at it for the past few months, Herace¡¯s life had become too painful.


    [The Master has ordered to take Young Master Erzen to another room.]


    The plan did not go smoothly because he had anxiety and gave an order. When Erzen was taken away, she was frustrated at what he¡¯s doing.


    [Anna, I can¡¯t see Erzen for a while. So you have to be good. No matter what happens, don¡¯t leave Erzen¡¯s side. Understand?]


    But somehow, Herace placed Anna next to Erzen and continued preparing to escape. Although her eyes still shed many tears, Anna realized that she did not give up. Some may see it as an insult, but her lady was stronger than she realized.


    Anna hung a necklace around Herace¡¯s neck and sprayed perfume on her, trying to calm her trembling heart. In a few hours¡­ At least before the end of today, the plan will be done.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be waiting for you, my lady. You must come on time.¡±


    Herace nodded her head slightly and stood up. Just in time, someone knocked on the door.


    ¡°Madam, it¡¯s time to go down.¡±


    ***


    Herace sat at the top of the banquet hall and watched the people. On the podium in the hall, to the right of Duke¡¯s throne was her seat. On the left side of the throne, Charlotte was holding Miguel, the main character of the day. Perhaps he liked red, the rose-colored dress, which stood out more than the last time, boasted its vivid color.


    The Lord of the castle, Ezekiel, has not yet arrived. In his absence, people diligently flocked to the podium to flatter Charlotte. They drooled over Charlotte¡¯s appearance as they complimented  Miguel.


    ¡°The Young Master really resembles the Duke. In particular, his eyes are as clear as the Lord¡¯s. When he grows up, he will make many women cry.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, this guy. You shouldn¡¯t say things like that. The Master is really smart and dignified. He will grow up to be a great knight following the Duke¡¯s footsteps.¡±


    It¡¯s not even a compliment to her, but the corners of Charlotte¡¯s lips raised up. Even though the cradle was ready, she held Miguel in her arms and showed off to people how proud she was, she looked like a Duchess, not a mistress.


    She glanced at Herace and said loudly.


    ¡°Everyone sees it that way. Hah, the Duke did the same. I am very happy that Miguel resembles his father. Besides, being intelligent and strong for his young age is enough to lead the family.¡±


    After speaking, Charlotte smirked. But no one else laughed in their seats except for her. It was natural. Although she had a child who was likely to be chosen as the successor, right next to her was Ezekiel¡¯s official wife, Herace. It was too rude for a mistress to brag about her child.


    When Herace felt that people¡¯s eyes were gathering on her, she deliberately looked away to the side rather than in front of her. She hated the pitying eyes of others.


    ¡°She¡¯s still beautiful even after a long time. Nothing has changed from a few years ago.¡±


    ¡°Why, in the past, more than half of the youths of the capital were attracted to the Fairy of Devone¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Shh! Keep quiet. Anyway, those words shouldn¡¯t come out of your lips. If you make a mistake, your neck will fall off.¡±


    Contrary to Herace¡¯s thoughts, people had other questions. How dare she disrespect such a beautiful woman. No matter how good the mistress was, the men did not understand. Of course, Charlotte was also dazzlingly beautiful as rumored. But even if she was, she was nothing compared to Herace. Some of the young knights blushed as they saw Herace, which was decorated more lavishly than usual for the banquet.


    ¡°His Excellency, the Duke!¡±


    The people who were buzzing at the two women became quiet. When the Lord arrived, everyone got up from their seats.


    Ezekiel looked forward and walked without even paying attention to the gazes that were directed at him. They had heard that it was a banquet for his dear son, but there was some annoyance and boredom on his face.


    Ezekiel, who stood on the podium and sat down, glanced at Herace once and raised his hand. He said as the people who had stood up sat down.


    ¡°Get started.¡±


    From then on, the tedious time continued for Herace. The long ceremony started with a congratulatory greeting from the priest invited for the banquet. Someone came up and down, Charlotte made a fuss, and Ezekiel stood up and said something. But, as if all of that had nothing to do with her, Herace just sat there blankly.


    ¡°It¡¯s your turn, Madam.¡±


    She was immersed in her thoughts. When she suddenly came to her senses, everyone¡¯s attention was on her. Though embarrassed, Herace slowly rose from her seat with an expressionless face.


    Charlotte, sitting comfortably in her chair, grinned in triumph. When Herace, who ignored her, bowed her head and looked at Miguel, the child looked pretty with his eyes closed.


    ****

 CH 24

    ¡°I wish you a long and healthy life.¡±


    ¡°Oh, ma¡¯am. Aren¡¯t you being too insincere? After all, he¡¯s the Duke¡¯s son.¡­.¡±


    Charlotte¡¯s voice was heard by those in the hall. But Herace nodded to the attendant without answering. The attendant approached carefully with a red box.


    When the box opened, admiration flowed from everywhere around the hall. The jewels in the box were enough to make everyone¡¯s eyes wide, overshadowing the short congratulatory words. Even Charlotte, who was staring at Herace with an angry face saying she was ignored, closed her mouth with greedy eyes.


    What Herace presented as a gift was a necklace. It was a precious treasure for everyone to see, with diamonds lined up from the pattern, symbolising the Duke of Serpence.


    Feeling heavy, Herace held out the box to Charlotte. Charlotte reached out quickly, her eyes twinkling with greed.


    ¡°Thank you, ma¡¯am. Now that I see it, you are really wishing well for Miguel.¡±


    Herace turned around to get back to her seat. Charlotte didn¡¯t care about her unlike before, busy looking at the necklace.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡­what are you doing?¡±


    As she returned to her seat, Ezekiel sitting next to her asked in a quiet voice. Herace stared at him for a moment at the word, which clearly contained displeasure. She averted her eyes and stared in front of her. Ezekiel asked again at the sight as if urging her.


    ¡°Why did you give her that necklace as a gift? That¡¯s what I gave you¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why I gave it to her.


    ¡°What?¡±


    Ezekiel crumpled his face as if he were talking about something in response to Herace¡¯s answer. The necklace was not as much as the stolen gold ring, but it was also enough to be called the Duke¡¯s heirloom. Hundreds of diamonds on the string of necklaces were also quite valuable, but most of all, the diamonds decorating the wolf¡¯s eyes in the middle were blue diamonds that were rare in the Empire.


    Ezekiel married Herace and asked the jewellers to make them a necklace that had never been seen before in the world. The representative wedding gift he presented was a necklace in Charlotte¡¯s hand.


    Ezekiel must be unhappy, but Herace answered calmly, as if nothing had happened.


    ¡°It¡¯s perfect for a gift to the first child of the Duke.¡±


    ¡°Herace, you¡­¡­.¡±


    Ezekiel frowned, forgetting that he was in front of people. Only then did he realise what was scratching his nerves. His wife was strangely too expressionless. He tried to understand the motive of his wife with his eyes narrowed. What is wrong with her?


    But then, someone called Herace in a whispery voice under the platform.


    ¡°Well¡­ that lady. The song you did with me¡­¡­.¡±


    The young man was intoxicated. He blinked at Herace with a hazy face. The clean-looking face and innocent-looking impression were likely to appeal to the woman. But before the embarrassed Herace could answer anything, Ezekiel¡¯s rough shoes trampled on the young man¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Argh!¡±


    The young man¡¯s scream drew attention from those around him, to the podium. Edgar rushed over and pulled the young man out.


    In fact, the behaviour of the young man was not usually rude. But Ezekiel was angry, how dare you reach out to the Duchess, who is much higher than you, and ask her to dance? Unless Herace came down from the podium and danced with Ezekiel, the young man should not look at Herace carelessly.


    ¡°¡­¡­Let¡¯s go.¡±


    A cold-faced Ezekiel pulled Herace to her feet and dragged her to the prepared lounge behind the podium. When the door closed and the sound in the hall disappeared, he pushed his wife toward the wall and pressed in a dreary voice.


    ¡°Can¡¯t you behave properly?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Why did you show your face to any guy?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡­I¡¯ve never done that. He just approached me first.¡±


    ¡°Would he have done that if you had acted properly? If you didn¡¯t glance and smile at him, he wouldn¡¯t have approached you. Don¡¯t you think so?¡±


    He couldn¡¯t have known that this was unreasonable. Herace looked at Ezekiel without answering and quietly called out his name.


    ¡°Ezekiel.¡±


    Although it was a small voice, Ezekiel flinched as if he heard a shout. He relaxed his grip. Herace, freed from his strong grip, swept the arm that was held. It was throbbing, there it must be bruised too.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡­why are you so dissatisfied with me?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°You know that I didn¡¯t do anything. But why are you bothering me so much?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­because you have a record of seducing people.¡±


    What more can she say? It was something that she would never hear again after today anyway.


    When she didn¡¯t burst into tears or get angry, Ezekiel grabbed her arm again and shook it. An unprovoked sense of unease crept over him.


    ¡°Now you aren¡¯t even denying it.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°All right, that¡¯s enough for now. The banquet is over for you.¡±


    It was Ezekiel who eventually stepped down first after a long confrontation. He knew it, too. How far-fetched his attitude toward his wife is.


    He commanded his wife in a calm voice, but still forcefully.


    ¡°Your face should have been seen here. Go back to your room now.¡±


    In fact, what scratched his nerves more than his wife¡¯s attitude was the gaze of men in the hall looking at his wife. Ezekiel found it disturbing. To the point where he regretted asking her to attend the banquet. He spoke to his wife, who looked at him suspiciously.


    ¡°Your thoughts are narrow. There is no way you¡¯re going to bless Miguel. Do not ruin the atmosphere and leave the banquet first. I¡¯ll be there around midnight, so wait.¡±


    Even though he was aware of his mistake, he did not apologise until the end. He tried to hide his shame with cold eyes and harsh words.


    It may be sad, but Herace¡¯s blue eyes were filled with affection instead of sadness. She held her hand to Ezekiel¡¯s cheek. The white hand swept slowly across his face.


    ¡°¡­¡­I¡¯m tired. I want to sleep.¡±


    When his wife reached out her hand first, the surge of emotions slowly subsided. Ezekiel tried to cover up his embarrassment and pulled his wife¡¯s hand roughly. Herace swept the back of his hand and held their hands together.


    When his hands fell, he was thirsty with regret. Ezekiel sighed, cursing himself inside, but said in a softer voice.


    ¡°¡­okay, go to bed first.¡±


    ***


    Herace went to sleep after lying on the bed. At an early hour, the maid withdrew. Herace waited for the maid¡¯s footsteps to disappear, and then crept up. It was quite a distance from the room to the hall where the banquet was held, but the noise was quite loud beyond the window.


    Knock, knock.


    Herace tapped on the front wall of the dressing table. But there was no reply. She took a deep breath with a nervous face and placed her ears on the wall for a moment.


    Knock, knock.


    A louder noise rang in the room. Soon after, three knocks were heard in the room from across the hall.


    Hearing the answer, Herace carefully opened the door. Perhaps because of the banquet, the hallway was quiet without a trace of people. She looked around and headed for the next room.


    ¡°Miss!¡±


    ¡°Shh!¡±


    As soon as the door opened, Herace entered the room. She went straight to the cradle and picked up Erzen and asked Anna.


    ¡°What about the nanny?¡±


    ¡°She fell asleep.¡±


    Anna shook the empty bottle. It was only then Herace saw a middle-aged woman lying on the bed beyond the cradle. Herace looked anxiously at her son in her arms.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I said it¡¯s a medicine that I sometimes use for the Crown Princess. She ate only a little, so it won¡¯t be a problem.¡±


    ¡°But Erzen¡¯s body¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°You have to change your clothes sooner than that. You came up earlier than I thought, but the more time you have, the better.¡±


    Herace nodded her head, shaking her sleeping son gently. Anna stretched her arm under the bed and took out a bundle and untied it. A couple of clothes and a pocket fell on the ground. Herace picked up a modest brown dress, carefully putting her sleeping Erzen down in his cradle.


    ¡°¡­okay, go to bed first.¡±


    Herace remembered her husband¡¯s last words. She was sure that after the banquet, he would come to find her in the bedroom. She made up her mind quite a long time ago, but she still couldn¡¯t help it, she burst into tears¡­.


    Herace rubbed her eyes with her sleeve. After changing her dress and holding her son up again, she looked at Lake Aunue through the window.


    It was really time to get out of this castle.


    ***


    Herace¡¯s heart was pounding when she passed just under the noisy banquet hall, but fortunately, the fairly grown shrubs were enough to cover the three. Even the knights on guard were kept near the hall, but there were few in the garden. Herace¡¯s group, who passed through the garden easier than expected, entered the stable, exhaling the breath they breathed in tension.


    ¡°Did you see something?¡±


    Anna asked Herace, who naturally passed between the horses. Unlike Herace, who looked at the horse without hesitation, she looked uneasy as if she were not used to the horse. Whenever the horses scratched the floor with their front paws and snorted roughly, Anna shrank in fear.


    ¡°Lady, I¡¯d rather walk¡­¡­ At this rate, if these guys make any noise, Tom, the stable owner, will appear.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s dangerous, but if we don¡¯t ride a horse, we¡¯ll be caught quickly. I don¡¯t have a choice.¡±


    Herace had a rather unique specialty as a woman called horseback riding. Everyone was surprised when she rode a horse, who looked fragile. Except for those who had seen her since childhood, everyone didn¡¯t know that Herace could ride a horse.


    Horseback riding was a familiar thing for Herace. She learned horseback riding with Charles under the direction of Ulys since she was quite young. At one time, she rode on horses all the time, so it was natural in some ways that she was not afraid of them.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if it¡¯ll be okay because it¡¯s been a while.¡±


    Finally, in the corner of the stable, in front of a horse, she walked to it prepared by Herace and stroked his soft mane. The light grey horse seemed mild and accepted Herace¡¯s touch without making a sound. However, in Anna¡¯s eyes, Herace¡¯s choice of horse was quite unsatisfactory.


    ¡°Lady, let¡¯s ride on a stronger horse. It looks like¡­¡­.¡±


    The horse looked old at first glance. Like other horses, the hair was not glossy and the muscles were not strong. Although there was a little bit of beauty left in the past, she could understand why it was roughly tied to the corner. It was a horse that won¡¯t be stolen at the end even if the horse thief runs into it. The horse that Herace chose was an old mare.


    ¡°No. It has to be this horse.¡±

 CH 25

    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­He¡¯s an old but smart mare. We¡¯re not going to run much anyways, so he is enough. Isn¡¯t that right, Br¨¹ntilde?¡±


    Whether Br¨¹ntilde was his name or not, the horse gave a small snort. Leading the horse outside, which rarely made noises, and walked lightly, as if it had been a long time since it had walked like this.


    ¡°Where¡¯s the exit?¡±


    ¡°There will be no one at the front gate behind the garden right now.¡±


    Anna led the way and said in a slightly depressed voice. She used Paul to find out the guard schedule for the knights and soldiers. She was suffering from a bit of guilt after seducing him to meet secretly and obtaining the information she wanted through him.


    ¡°It¡¯s going to take a little bit time, but there are several streams over there, good to erase our trace. Erzen is okay, right?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. The young master is sleeping.¡±


    As they hurried along, the gate quickly came into their view. Herace climbed onto the horse and helped Anna get on behind her. She looked back, the pleasant sound of music and laughter could be heard coming from the castle hall.


    Blinking the tears away a couple of times, she pulled the reins and shook it. Soon, the horse began to run on the ground.


    ****


    An ominous feeling slowly crept over Ezekiel. He sat down and watched the drunk people swaying around and beckoned a servant. The servant, who was waiting behind, quickly approached at the owner¡¯s call and bowed his head.


    ¡°¡­¡­have a maid make sure my wife is asleep.¡±


    The servant moved quickly at the unusual voice of the owner. While he was casting his eyes at the servant who disappeared out of the hall, a low laugh was heard next to him.


    ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡±


    Charlotte could hear it too, but she was looking forward and smiling like a doll, as if she hadn¡¯t heard him at all. Some of the guests looked at Charlotte with a strange face because she was not as talkative as before or showing off here and there. However, no one came forward and spoke to Charlotte because the cold and intimidating Duke was right next to her.


    [¡­¡­it¡¯s just funny. It¡¯s your child¡¯s 100th day, but you don¡¯t look like you¡¯re celebrating.]


    Ezekiel ignored the voice. Instead, he looked at the necklace on her thin neck with narrowed eyes. The necklace he gave his wife as a gift was shimmering on Charlotte¡¯s neck beautifully, and when he saw it around another woman¡¯s neck, he felt more irritated.


    ¡®What¡¯s taking him so long?¡¯


    It hasn¡¯t even been a few minutes since the servant was sent, but Ezekiel pursed his lips in impatience. He was not comfortable waiting another minute.


    No, he didn¡¯t need to wait. He was not interested in a banquet anyways¡­¡­. In the end, Ezekiel couldn¡¯t overcome his anxiety and got up.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡±


    Charlotte¡¯s voice asked as he stormed to his feet. Even those in the hall that were still sober, looked at him and shut up their complaints and tried to be polite.


    But Ezekiel did not respond to her voice or give anyone a look. He moved quickly along the path of the servant, some drunk people stumbled and bent down to get out of his way.


    Ezekiel quickly disappeared out of the hall. The child in his mother¡¯s arms babbled as he looked at his father¡¯s back with his bright eyes. A voice that no one heard followed the man¡¯s back.


    [¡­¡­it would be no use going.]


    ***


    It was hard to fathom the darkness of the lake at night. If it wasn¡¯t for a fisherman who lived all his life in Lake Aunue, they wouldn¡¯t have dared to cross the lake, in a boat on this dark evening.


    ¡°Was it okay to leave the horse like that? If the knights find it, they¡¯ll track it down quickly.¡±


    Anna looked at the black water, looked up in fear, and asked Herace. Herace, who was sitting right in front of her and embracing Erzen. She nodded slowly as if it was okay.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Br¨¹ntilde is smart. He should have arrived at the castle by now.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    How can a horse go back to the castle when they left it at the mouth of the lake? Anna looked curious, but Herace didn¡¯t answer. She was busy trying to soothe her son, who woke up not long after boarding the ship.


    ¡°Erzen, yes. My son. It¡¯s your mother.¡±


    When she saw her son¡¯s eyes after a long time, she felt like crying. The fisherman who felt sorry for Herace, who constantly talked to her son and asked her.


    ¡°By the way¡­¡­ your son must have been far away from you for you to be so affectionate. Did your husband take him away?¡±


    Herace looked surprised at the fisherman¡¯s words. She managed to calm down and shook her head small.


    ¡°It¡¯s not like that.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean no? You can¡¯t fool my eyes even if you¡¯re dressed like that, ma¡¯am. Are you a knight¡¯s wife?¡±


    Ezekiel was a knight before he was a Duke, so the fisherman was right in a way. This time, Anna looked at the fisherman with surprised eyes.


    Herace¡¯s clothes were obviously commoners¡¯. She thought she was properly disguised, but she couldn¡¯t even fool this old man¡¯s eyes. Anna opened her mouth and the fisherman laughed.


    ¡°See? My eyes are correct. It¡¯s more of a problem with knights anyway. They don¡¯t care about their wife more than this uncle.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not like that¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s understandable to see Miss¡¯s face. The knight must have been sick in the head, seeing you hugging your child. He didn¡¯t even let you see your child, right?¡±


    The ¡®sickness¡¯ that the old fisherman said would be a common term for ¡®jealousy¡¯. Embarrassed, Herace bowed her head. The fisherman rowed without causing Herace any more embarrassment. He murmured with distant eyes.


    ¡°¡­¡­but when the time is right, go home. The generosity of the world is not bad. But it¡¯s hard to live in the world with just two women and a baby.¡±


    ***


    The banquet broke up in an instant. Guests were driven back to their homes or to their guest room in the castle, as if they were being kicked out. Knights, soldiers, and other employees started to move constantly here and there.


    Edgar was sitting in front of Ezekiel with one knee bent. Sweat-stained, he was breathing heavily, despite being a knight of strong physical strength.


    ¡°I found a horse that was supposed to have been taken by your wife.¡±


    When Ezekiel heard that they had found his wife¡¯s traces, the ferocious spirit that could kill anyone, was sharpened in an instant. He asked Edgar, with the same face as when he chased an enemy monster, which he had not done for years.


    ¡°Where have they gone?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s¡­¡±


    Edgar hesitated unlike himself because he knew it was not the answer the lord wanted. Those who were kneeling together behind him also lowered their heads. Edgar barely opened his mouth when Ezekiel stamped his foot with impatience.


    ¡°In front of the stable¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Ha!¡±


    Something flew away with a flash and crashed into the door. Probably one of the glasses in the hall. Edgar clenched his fist in tension and swallowed his saliva. He had to explain everything right away, the lives of his men behind him were in danger.


    ¡°I think the horse came back after running somewhere. Between the hoofs and the fur, there were grasses that could not be seen in the castle. In addition, the soil attached to the hoof is believed to have crossed the water¡¯s edge or stepped on the ground near water.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll find it quickly. As long as we gather information quickly, they can¡¯t have gone far.¡±


    Ezekiel stood up slowly from his seat looking down at Edgar without saying a word. He picked up the sword on the table and stared at it with his red eyes.


    ¡°¡­¡­Where are the horses?¡±


    It was before Edgar could answer. Ezekiel stepped out from room as if he didn¡¯t need to hear the answer and strode towards the stable. Edgar and the Knights followed the lord¡¯s steps.


    Ezekiel quickly arrived at the stable. When he beckoned, the quick-witted knight quickly went in. The old mare walked out at the knight¡¯s touch and stopped walking when he saw Ezekiel.


    Oh¡­ ¡­Herace. As soon as he saw the horse, Ezekiel knew. This escape was not an abrupt decision. Herace, she was planning to escape for a long time.


    ¡°Br¨¹ntilde¡±


    The horse that walked out was no ordinary horse, Br¨¹ntilde. This horse, which was presented by the Emperor when Charles, the son of Empress Ulysses and his half-brother, was young and alive. He didn¡¯t think this horse would come to his house like a messenger pigeon.


    Charles often carried Herace on this horse. And when she came of age, he tried to present this horse to her as a token of trust. However, just before Herace was presented with Br¨¹ntilde, it was revealed that Empress Ulysses participated in the rebellion, and they fell from their position. The horse remained in the Duke of Serpence¡¯s castle.


    Ezekiel didn¡¯t like this horse. However, he forgot about the existence of the horse because Herace had never ridden alone or tried to find it after marrying him.


    Ezekiel clenched his teeth and approached the horse. Clever Br¨¹ntilde noticed the murder directed at him and tried to get out of the knight¡¯s hands somehow.


    ¡°Uh¡­Uh?¡±


    Suddenly, the horse reared, and the reins slipped out of the knight¡¯s hand. Br¨¹ntilde quickly kicked the ground to escape. But Ezekiel¡¯s sword was one step faster. Without a moment of hesitation, he swung his sword down at the horse¡¯s neck. [T/N: Poor horse.]


    Crying.


    The beast¡¯s dying cry rang out in the middle of the night. The horse, whose head fell at once, knocked himself down and spewed blood everywhere. Ezekiel threw the sword to the floor which was dripping with red hot blood.


    Chaeng!


    Other horses in the stable neighed loudly and raised their ears to the sound of their relatives dying. So were those next to Ezekiel. Regardless of whether it was a knight or a servant, everyone looked at the blood-stained lord with fearful eyes.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡­bring her back anyway. If you can¡¯t bring her back, I¡¯ll bury you all with my hands like this.¡±


    The horse whose head disappeared from its body was twisted on the floor. Edgar and the other knights bowed their heads deeply at Ezekiel¡¯s abstract order and began to move quickly again.


    It was a moonless night; Ezekiel wiped the blood off his face carelessly under a white cloud that covered the starlight. The cold blood only showed off its fishy smell and dark color, it was as cold as the body cooling off on the floor.


    ¡°Herace¡­¡±


    The voice calling his wife¡¯s name was filled with madness.

 CH 26

    Medea for eternity.


    She was his own wife whom he hated and loved. Their marriage, which was completed by tying their hearts and souls, was shattered in an instant with Herace¡¯s betrayal.


    The price of betraying his trust will obviously be great. Neither the mercy of the great Lordiva¡¯s great daughter nor the magical blood of the dragon to overcome death and gain immortality will be able to protect her.


    He, who has his blood mixed with hers will make her forever be graced by his breath and rot from the inside. Just like she did when she turned her back.


    ***


    Even from afar, anyone could guess that the woman walking along the long corridor was a great beauty. Black hair in contrast the white marble. Clear blue eyes that shined brightly¡­¡­.


    ¡°Oh¡­¡±


    As soon as she saw him, her fair face crumpled, as if she hated him so much and didn¡¯t know what to do. Did she know? That he was purposely standing here across the garden after he heard she was coming here.


    Ezekiel managed to hide his disappointment from showing on his face.


    ¡°Long time no see, Sir.¡±


    Herace wanted to pretend they didn¡¯t see each other and just bumped into each other. But when she greeted him first, the person standing opposite her opened his mouth. He, who had different thoughts, stiffened his face and coldly responded to Herace¡¯s greeting.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡­You¡¯ve been acting high and mighty these days and avoiding encounters. And now you don¡¯t even call me by name.¡±


    Ezekiel¡¯s words baffled Herace. But she couldn¡¯t help it either. She was careful in addressing him as friendly as before, as there were already rumours circulating around the palace about the two of them.


    [The commoner knight and the Young Duke of Serpence¡¯s fiancee are meeting secretly.]


    [Herace Devone was seen talking with the knight face-to-face¡­¡­.]


    Lady Rania saw the two of them leave together at the last banquet. They moved secretively, but there were eyes everywhere¡­¡­ there was no hiding it.


    Ezekiel took a step forward when Herace pursed her lips because she didn¡¯t know what to say. He looked down at her as if he were talking to an insignificant person.


    ¡°I¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­I apologize.¡±


    She was trying to make an excuse, but after hearing his words, she swallowed the words with her saliva. Ezekiel apologized to her first, as it wasn¡¯t him who was expressing his disappointment until just a moment ago. Herace looked up at him in wonder.


    ¡°You¡¯re in a lot of trouble because of me¡­¡­ I will search for the person who made the rumor.¡±


    Ezekiel did not look directly at her. A pair of common brown eyes, that were turned from golden to brown by the help of magical pills, were looking at the edge of her hand. Herace, who was terribly sorry, hesitantly held her hands together. Come to think of it, it was natural for him to feel this way. He must have been disappointed because she suddenly changed the way she called him. Herace smiled softly at the thought.


    ¡°No, never mind. It¡¯s just people who don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on. I¡¯m the one who¡¯s sorry. I should have refrained from drinking at that time¡­¡­.¡±


    The color of the eyes that had been changed by the pill was due to Ezekiel¡¯s situation. Originally, he would have had amber eyes just like the Duke of Serpence, but now, his eyes were a common, featureless brown.


    Thanks to this, no one, except the people of northern Serpence knew the identity of Ezekiel, the illegitimate son of the Duke of Serpence. Of course, there were some high-ranking nobles who knew this, but the Emperor¡¯s command of words was so great that no one opened their mouths carelessly.


    ¡°I¡¯ll change the way I address you only for a while. As you know, you are a member of the Duke of Serpence.¡­ Ugh!¡±


    The man suddenly closed her mouth with his big hand and led her behind a pillar. When Herace, who was held in the man¡¯s wide arms, opened her eyes wide and blinked, Ezekiel whispered in her ear in a low voice.


    ¡°¡­¡­You should be careful. You don¡¯t know who will hear you when.¡±


    Beyond the corridor, several nobles were seen passing through the nearby garden. For a while, Ezekiel did not loosen his arm even after they disappeared. In the end, Herace patted his hand.


    ¡°I¡¯m s-sorry. I¡¯m just¡­.¡±


    Herace, who came out of his arms, stuttered. Ezekiel¡¯s mouth went down a little as he looked at the red ears exposed through her hair. The regret that he couldn¡¯t hide came out. He clenched and unclenched his right hand several times, which had covered Herace¡¯s mouth.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t the rumors offend Charles?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­he knows everything.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t dwell too much on the rumors. Charles thinks of Sir as his brother.¡±


    The voice that said the name Charles was natural. Unlike when she called his name. Ezekiel slightly crumpled his forehead with an awkward nod.


    Charles¡­ his half-brother was a perfect match with the woman in front of him. The two had grown up together since childhood and have been engaged smoothly. Looking at the two people who fit well with not only appearance but also character, people called them ¡®Lovers of the Century¡¯.


    What if Charles had been a bad person? In many ways, Ezekiel imagined his perfect younger brother treating his own fiancee coldly. If he(Charles) had another woman¡­¡­ Would she have shown a little more interest in him? Would she have cast another glance at him if the world surrounding her wasn¡¯t so perfect?


    But his imagination was never going to come true. He knew it when he looked into Charles¡¯ eyes. His half-brother was so hooked to the woman it was as if he was locked up and could not escape. To the point where he could dare not show ugly jealousy.


    Ezekiel didn¡¯t care about the rumors right now. No, in fact, he held back what he wanted the most. He wanted to shout and cheer for the rumor to spread more. No matter who looks at it, the foreign substance in this relationship was himself. So his feelings had to be hidden forever.


    ¡°The Duchess is being stubborn right now, but Charles and I would like for you to return to the castle later. It¡¯ll be fun to get along like we did when we were young.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°It won¡¯t be long now. Soon, I¡¯ll be married to Charles¡­¡­.¡±


    Ezekiel¡¯s heart sank a little, overshadowing his resolution. He already knew it, but hearing it directly from Herace, that she and Charles are soon to be married, felt like someone had grabbed his heart and was squeezing it hard. Ezekiel, who barely controlled his emotions, said, hiding his trembling.


    ¡°¡­¡­I heard. What date do you expect to be married?¡±


    ¡°The exact date hasn¡¯t come out yet. However, I expect it to be around next spring.¡±


    Ezekiel looked at Herace¡¯s face with eyes wide open, just to see what her expression was. A spring bride¡­. They were words that fitted her, who was like a flower.


    The two, she and Charles, will swear their love under a round arch decorated with various flowers in a green grassy garden. They will exchange rings and kiss. And behind the veil, she would always be by Charles¡¯ side¡­.


    ¡°¡­¡­Congratulations.¡±


    He couldn¡¯t bear to imagine more than that. Ezekiel expressed his congratulations, ignoring the dizzy view. While the world was spinning, Herace¡¯s face was clear. Not being able to control the unbearable heartache, he turned around.


    ¡°Well¡­ Sir!¡±


    Herace¡¯s voice called him from behind. He didn¡¯t want to turn around¡­¡­. But his body quickly reacted to Herace¡¯s voice. He turned his back again and faced her with a calm smile.


    ¡°I¡¯ll send you an invitation. I really want you to come. Of course, it may be uncomfortable, but Charles and I still want you to attend.¡±


    Her soft voice was faster and sharper than a war arrow. Ezekiel clenched his hand at the throbbing pain.


    ¡°Why do you think I¡¯d be uncomfortable?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    The words did not go out nicely. With an embarrassed face, Herace looked at him and lowered her head. Why won¡¯t you look at me? Ezekiel took half a step away from her. He felt like he was going to do something wrong to her if he stood close.


    ¡°Ah¡­ b-because the Duchess is there.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re uncomfortable, you don¡¯t have to come. On second thought, I think I asked for too much. I mean¡­.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­I will attend.¡±


    She had something else to say, but Ezekiel said something he didn¡¯t mean. As she heard him, her expression became more relaxed. She bowed slightly, her hands held over her chest.


    ¡°Th-Thank you, Sir. Then I¡¯ll make sure to send you an invitation.¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re done talking, I¡¯ll go first. Go home safely.¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­¡±


    Greeting each other farewell, he hurried this time without any time for her to hold him. The eyes that followed from behind were happy, which felt painful. His strides became longer and faster. After barely turning the corner of the corridor, he eventually hid under a quiet maple tree.


    Struggling to breathe, Ezekiel covered his eyes with his hands. Sliding down its thick barks, he sat under the tree. As he tried to control his breathing, he felt his heart beat fast and bit his lips tightly.


    ¡°¡­¡­D*mn it.¡±


    It felt as if the world had become dark, like the dark vision covered by the palm of his hand. He wasn¡¯t like this even when he lost his mother. The soaring emotions contained many things. But the biggest thing was the loss.


    Ezekiel closed his eyes. Then, at the same time, he felt something crouching and opened his eyes.


    Gray threads began to creep out of the man¡¯s left chest. It was like smoke or an organism, and as soon as it leaked out of the chest, it increased in size. The threads began to spread like spider webs and became as thick as wool. And then, it was divided into several branches, the branches intertwined with each other and shaped like a black cotton ball.


    The pointed spines began to climb over the man¡¯s body. After passing through the wide chest, it began climbing up the neck and reaching the ear. It split in half and showed sharp pointed teeth, the teeth bit Ezekiel¡¯s ear as if swallowing it in one bite.


    ¡°Ugh!¡±


    At the sudden pain, Ezekiel touched his ear with the hand covering his eyes. His ears were intact as if the pain had been a lie.


    ¡®Now this¡­¡¯


    Ezekiel lowered his hand with a dejected smile. However, for a moment, the tinnitus rang long from the inside of his ear, and eventually, it brought about even greater anger.


    ¡°Ugh¡­!¡±


    Beep. beep.


    A strange tinnitus obscured all the sounds of the world. At the same time as he had a splitting headache, he felt his whole body was feverish as if the blood was boiling. Ezekiel bent down and hugged his head. The red-eyed eyes slowly changed and recovered the original golden color that had been covered by the magical pills.

 CH 27

    A chilly wind hit the tree where he was leaning against. The leaves have turned completely red in the cool Autumn weather. The wind, which was swaying around the tree, took the blood-like autumn leaves with it one by one and dropped them to the man¡¯s side.


    [Medea¡¯s child¡­¡­.]


    As the last autumn leaves settled on the man¡¯s back, a strange voice penetrated through the tinnitus. He couldn¡¯t hear anything, but the voice was so clear in his mind.


    [¡­¡­I can help you.]


    The voice rang as if it were tapping up Ezekiel¡¯s chin. He looked ahead, wiping the blood from his ears. Flutter. A piece of paper flew in and touched the tip of his finger.


    ***


    ¡°Get out of the way.¡±


    ¡°B-But¡­¡­.¡±


    A rat¡¯s dead body was seen in the corner next to the guard. Ezekiel was furious that Herace had been in this nauseating space for more than 10 days. Even though he knew it was because of him.


    ¡°I just got the permission. So if you don¡¯t want to die, get out of the way right now.¡±


    He pressed the guard, barely holding back from swinging the sword in his hand. Only then did the guard hold out the key to the shrine where she had been thrown in carelessly. Ezekiel took it as if he had deserved it and walked down the stairs.


    ¡°That¡­¡­ the crime of the sinner is a little big. I think her brother was taken away from here a while ago¡­¡­.¡±


    Ezekiel crumpled his face when the guard who followed him said that to him while he was looking around. He could still vividly remember the expression she had made when he was taken away.


    ¡®I should have moved faster.¡¯


    The exile of Herace¡¯s brother, Chris, was already known to everyone. It was he himself who had reduced the death penalty to banishment.


    ¡®Stay away from Herace. You are an adult now.¡¯


    He saved Chris, not because he was fond of him. Chris tried to keep his sister and Ezekiel apart somehow, so Ezekiel hated him.


    But to Herace, he was her only brother and a truly cherished family. He was the one who gave her the same affection as a parent, on behalf of Marquis Devone, who abused Herace for bizarre reasons, and the Marchioness, who died early.


    ¡°¡­¡­did you touch her?¡±


    When Ezekiel asked faintly as he walked down the long hallway, the guard shook his head strongly. He swore in the name of the goddess that he didn¡¯t touch Herace.


    ¡°N-No. I¡¯m a knight. No matter if she is a sinner or not, she is still a noble lady¡­¡­ No, I didn¡¯t do anything to her.¡±


    In fact, it was common for guards to touch a woman who was considered a sinner and thrown into prison. In particular, if a sinner came in for an irreversible crime such as treason, it was common to be executed or enslaved unless there was a special reason, so there was a high possibility that she would have been subjected to harsh handling by guards.


    However, in the case of Herace, she was a prisoner who was ordered not to be touched, not only by the new Duke, but also someone higher than him. No one could touch her unless the person had eaten a leopard¡¯s gut.


    ¡°That statement should be true. Or I¡¯ll hold everyone, including you, accountable.¡±


    Before the guard could even nod, Ezekiel seemed to have sped up his gait and reached his destination. And soon afterwards, the sound of jingling keys was heard in the dark hallway. A hard iron door opened with the sound of iron scratching.


    Screech.


    Ezekiel ran inside as soon as the door opened. And there he saw a woman sitting against the cold stone wall with a dark prison uniform and blank eyes.


    The shackles wrapped around her ankles seemed to slip off of her skin, and the exhaustion appeared all over her face as if she were about to collapse. She looked different from the Herace he knew. The unique beauty that would not fade remained, but her stunned expression made her look like a dried and twisted flower plant.


    ¡®She¡¯s like this¡­¡­.¡¯


    Ezekiel remembered her smiling brightly just two weeks ago, choosing a veil for the wedding. On that day, Herace¡¯s expression was as lively as ever.


    He resented himself for causing this situation. But what had already happened, happened¡­¡­. He made her suffer, but he had no regrets. Ezekiel approached Herace carefully and called her name.


    ¡°Herace.¡±


    Herace slowly looked up at Ezekiel, who was right in front of her. She moved and the shackles around her ankles moved along with a jiggling sound.


    ¡°¡­¡­ Is it time for my execution?¡±


    It was the voice of someone who had already given up everything. Ezekiel clenched his teeth. He didn¡¯t want to see her like this. He didn¡¯t mean to give her a hard time. He just¡­¡­.


    Ezekiel, who internally tried to make an excuse, cursed and suppressed his words. No matter what excuses he made, he did it himself. So he had to take responsibility.


    The thought of being hated by Herace weighed heavily on his mind. He fell on one knee and faced Herace, swallowing dry saliva. The clouded blue eyes were full of despair.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡­when am I going to die? My brother was taken away. Then I¡¯m sure I¡¯ll be next, right?¡±


    Herace asked again. Ezekiel wished he could curse. She would have known to some extent. That he was the whistle-blower of this treason.


    Ezekiel placed his hand under Herace¡¯s knees. He said softly, lifting her up easily.


    ¡°You can¡¯t die.¡±


    It was the first time he had ever gotten so close to her since he became an adult. It was overwhelming to think that her body could be so light. Yes, he had hurt her. It was him, no one else.


    Herace didn¡¯t rebel much even though she was suddenly carried by him. Sinking in his arms like a doll with a broken string, she just faltered and looked at his face with vacant eyes.


    Ezekiel escaped from prison without taking his eyes off Herace. While the guards guarding the prison were frozen, he moved forward with her in his arms. He could see them looking at them, but it didn¡¯t matter to him.


    He lowered his head and whispered firmly to Herace.


    ¡°Herace¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Live. Just live. I¡¯ll take care of the rest.¡±


    Ezekiel, who had left the basement holding Herace, couldn¡¯t take his eyes off her, even now. She was dazzled by the sunlight she hadn¡¯t seen in a long time, but the shadow made by Ezekiel gave her proper sunlight.


    Two months later, Ezekiel arrived at Serpence Castle with Herace. The maids admired her, and dressed her splendidly in a white dress. However, only tears flowed down from the eyes of Herace, his new bride.


    ***


    Herace has not said a word to Ezekiel since she married him. It was strange as she had accepted the proposal without saying a word, however, as it was like hitting a wall, more and more people in the Serpence Castle disapproved of her.


    However, Herace, who was confined to her room in the castle, repeatedly embroidered all day and acted like all the rumours had nothing to do with her. Ezekiel noticed that it was the least thing he would like to see.


    ¡°If it were me, I would be thankful and live comfortably, filling my stomach to the brim¡­¡­ Look at her attitude, perhaps because she¡¯s from a noble family.¡¯


    ¡°I know. She was supposed to be a slave, but she took the position of a Duchess¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°But it didn¡¯t work for young master Charles. Who knew. The Duchess, who was His Majesty¡¯s sister, would join the rebellion?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s safe to be alive. Outside, the Duke seems to be talking about treason, locking up his mother and chasing his younger brother away, but we know that. The Duchess¡­ No, she¡¯s a sinner now. It¡¯s surprising that the Duke doesn¡¯t resent the Emperor for not giving her the death penalty, given what she had done before.¡±


    Treason.


    The power of the word was great. Those who were so kind to Charles and Herace turned cold in an instant at the mention of that word.


    But it was also natural logic. The moment they got entangled with that word, it was death and she couldn¡¯t guarantee the life of her family. Moreover, it has been only a few months since the treason was revealed. Even those who had deep sympathy still did not dare to defend or sympathize with Herace who had been dragged out as a sinner then.


    Ezekiel was the only one who didn¡¯t care about the weight of the word ¡°treason.¡± He cracked down on the mouths who uttered those words in front of her and only cared for Herace¡¯s feelings. Some people clicked their tongues, saying it was easy to hide their feelings so far, as he took care of Herace with such utmost care.


    ¡°I buried Marquis De-, no, Father. Tell me whenever you want to see his grave.¡±


    ¡®¡­¡­.¡¯


    ¡°And your brother. Don¡¯t worry too much because he¡¯s doing well. I¡¯ll send someone to tell you about his situation from time to time. If His Majesty¡¯s anger subsides, it will be difficult within the Empire, but you may meet him outside. I mean¡­¡±


    Herace was strangely calm even as she heard of the death of her father, the Marquis. As if there was no such person in the first place. However, when the names of her brother, Chris, her fiance, Charles and the Duchess, Ulysses, were mentioned, she stared at Ezekiel with a colder-than-usual face.


    Of course, Ezekiel never showed any signs of displeasure no matter what the expression on her face was. He always treated his wife from a lower position. Because it was him who committed the crime.


    ¡°Herace¡­¡±


    It was the same now. Ezekiel, who entered Herace¡¯s room carefully, tried to call her but gave up. Herace, sitting by the window, was absorbed in something and concentrated without realizing that he had come in.


    Her small hand went up and down. Ezekiel, noticing that Herace was embroidering, quietly stood behind her and watched. The sight of a sharp needle sticking into the cloth and coming out again was silent, but it was still unique.


    Her embroidery skills were so admirable that she was praised from an early age. She enjoyed embroidery quite as much as she was praised, so those close to Herace were presented with small embroidered items by her at least once.


    Ezekiel was also given a handkerchief with a pretty blue bird as a gift once. However, Ulysses got angry when she found out that her son¡¯s fiancee, Herace, had presented a handkerchief to Ezekiel. The blue bird spreading its wings on the handkerchief was torn and burned to ashes from her hand. Since then, Ezekiel has neither heard nor seen Herace presenting a blue bird embroidery to anyone.

 CH 28

    ¡®Bluebird¡­¡¯


    But somehow she was embroidering the blue bird. Ezekiel couldn¡¯t take his eyes off the nearly completed bird.


    Her skill, which has become more sophisticated than when she was young, was vividly depicted as if the blue bird would fly right away. However, Herace seemed to be thinking deeply about something, and soon picked up the scissors.


    Snip.


    Herace tore through her embroidery with a pair of scissors along with a sound he didn¡¯t want to hear. Ezekiel¡¯s face hardened. As if to vent her anger, Herace cut through the cloth a few more times and threw the embroidery frame on the floor. And after that, she turned her head away, as if she didn¡¯t want to look at him.


    ¡°¡­¡­I hate you.¡±


    After coming to Serpence Castle, it was the first time Herace spoke to Ezekiel.Her voice was calm, but the resentment it contained was clear.


    ¡°Rebelling against the Emperor is definitely a big sin, but¡­¡­ Still¡­..¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Even Chris, my poor brother, you made him like that. Ch-Charles¡­¡­ The Duchess did it.¡­.¡±


    Her voice filled with sadness as she began to cry. Ezekiel could only listen to Herace. But when she listed Charles¡¯ name, his gold eyes glittered dangerously. The veins that stood out on the back of his hand looked like they were about to burst.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know about the Duchess, but Charles was nice to you. I-¡°


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­I hate you. But I hate myself the most.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°I hate myself the most for having you as my savior. No! I hate myself the most for keeping my life like this!¡±


    With a shout, the scissors that were still in her hand quickly went up.


    No one noticed, but after coming to Serpence Castle, Herace sometimes st*bbed herself with scissors or needles when she felt disgusted with herself. Usually, it stopped from slightly poking the tip of the finger, but when Ezekiel came to her, the emotions she arduously controlled jumped out of control. The hand she held high aimed exactly at her thigh.


    But the pain she expected did not come. Ezekiel snatched and grabbed Herace¡¯s wrist just before the scissors descended. With her wrist slightly twisted by the man¡¯s power, the scissors slipped out of her hand.


    Ezekiel looked at the scissors that fell to the floor and slowly dropped to one knee in front of Herace. With a serious look on his face, he looked nervous as if he had made up his mind. He raised his arm slowly.


    ¡°Herace.¡±


    When Ezekiel called Herace¡¯s name and held her both hands, Herace started struggling. Ezekiel waited patiently, holding her hand as if coaxing a stubborn child.


    In the end, it was Herace who was exhausted and gave up first. Breathing heavily, Ezekiel slowly opened his mouth and stared at her blue eyes and fair face.


    ¡°I have sinned against you. I admit I¡¯ve caused you pain. But¡­.¡±


    Ezekiel kept eye contact with Herace and picked up the scissors that fell to the floor. The sharp blade glinted in the air. Herace stared at Ezekiel with spiteful eyes and looked at the edge of the scissors anxiously.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t hurt yourself. If you¡¯re angry and can¡¯t stand it, I¡¯d rather you¡­.¡±


    He blurted out his words and moved his hand incomparably faster than Herace did a moment ago. The sunlight was reflected on the metal and the scissor was stuck under the bone with the sound of tearing the skin.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡­do this.¡±


    The area around his shoulders quickly began to turn red and blood dripped down from the edge of the scissors. Surprised, Herace trembled as her face turned pale. She then opened her mouth and screamed for a long time. Her hands were unwittingly hovering around the man¡¯s injured shoulder.


    ¡°Why¡­¡­ what the hell is wrong with you!¡±


    ¡°I love you.¡±


    Unlike her, who didn¡¯t know what to do, the man¡¯s answer was plain. When the man spoke of love so easily as if it were natural, Herace looked at him with bizarre eyes. But even at that gaze, Ezekiel raised his hand and stroked Herace¡¯s cheek. The man¡¯s eyes were full of emotions that could not be hidden.


    ¡°I love you, Herace. You are the center of my life.¡±


    Herace shook Ezekiel¡¯s hand and twisted her expression. This guy is crazy. He was obviously crazy. If not¡­


    She buried face in her palms, and the tears she had been suppressing burst out.


    ¡°If this makes you feel better, I¡¯ll get st*bbed anytime. So don¡¯t do this again.¡±


    Ezekiel carefully wrapped her in his arms and held her. Unlike a while ago, Herace did not rebel. Instead, she burst into tears in his arms, crying even louder like a child. She seemed to be acting childish as if she needed a corner to lean on.


    The corners of Ezekiel¡¯s mouth went up. With his eyes down, he felt as if he were in heaven whilst slowly sweeping down the back of the woman in his arms.


    Her tears fell for a long time. However, after that day, the words Herace spoke, slowly but gradually, increased. And after Anna entered the castle, she returned to herself almost as much as before. Ezekiel could not hide his happiness whenever she talked to him first.


    ****


    ¡°Ezekiel.¡±


    Ezekiel held his wife gently, who came with her dress fluttering and calling his name. A bright smile filled his eyes.


    ¡°I love you, Herace.¡±


    ¡°What are you saying all of a sudden¡­¡­. I love you, too, Ezekiel.¡±


    Ezekiel loved her. Looking at the whispering Herace, he vowed not to let anyone take her away from him forever. The crimes he committed were deep, but for this, he could live with guilt buried.


    But during this happy time, something black came dripping down out of his ear, and then, as if dilly-dallying, secretly headed towards his right eye. Then, in an instant, it jumped up and went straight into the edge of Ezekiel¡¯s right eye.


    ¡°Ugh!¡±


    ¡°Ezekiel? What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Ezekiel blinked several times at the strange pain and blurred sight. But for a moment there, he forgot the pain because he was busy looking at his wife¡¯s face with his eyes that soon became normal again. He shook his head and kissed his wife¡¯s forehead affectionately. His eye was a little sore, but it wasn¡¯t unbearable.


    ¡°Something must have gone in my eye for a second.¡±


    ¡°Let me see. I¡¯ll blow it for you.¡±


    Whoo. Warm and weak air brushed against his golden eye, but it buried itself deep in the right eye without moving its body and only swallowed the sweet affection.


    *****


    [¡­¡­¡­I will wait for the day you come to me, and tell you about the news of our child.


    I wish you good health. I love you.


    Your wife,


    Herace.]


    Ezekiel, who sat in the barracks, read the letter over and over again. It was hard to think that he was so careful with holding a thin piece of paper when he was swinging a heavy sword and cutting off the necks of barbarians.


    ¡°I¡­.¡±


    Ezekiel was more than happy. He wiped away the tears around his eyes after sweeping his thumb over the word ¡®child¡¯ on the paper. He was worried that the letter would get blurred because of his tears.


    Finely folding the letter and placing it under his pillow, he lay in a cot and looked at the ceiling of the barracks. There wasn¡¯t much time left for this gruesome subjugation. The northern barbarians will be quiet for years with this war, and then he can concentrate solely on his wife and child about to be born.


    Ezekiel closed his eyes thinking about the spring day ahead. However, even if he tried to force himself to sleep, he couldn¡¯t sleep easily. Eventually, he stood up and looked at the calendar and map as if possessed, dressed in clothes and took his sword.


    ¡®Four days¡­ it¡¯s enough if I run alone.¡¯


    He was going to be in big trouble. He was on the battlefield, no matter how little time was left. If the commander of the knights is gone, everyone would panic. What he was going to do was a big crime.


    But Ezekiel was strangely unable to overcome his desire to go and see his wife. Her stomach may not be showing yet, but thinking about his wife carrying his seed and smiling made him strangely thirsty.


    After thinking for a while, he left the barracks.


    ¡°Where are you going? Your Excellency!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be right back. In the meantime, Edgar, take care of everything.¡±


    Edgar ran scared when he heard Ezekiel was preparing his horse, but it was no use. Ezekiel saw only the direction of the castle in the distance and kicked the horse in the side.


    Snow spattered on the ground and the horse neighed for a long time. A long black smoke followed the running horse¡¯s tail.


    ****


    Ezekiel couldn¡¯t believe the sight in front of him. His heart was pounding as if it were going to explode, and his eyes grew as big as they could.


    Was it a mistake to sneak into the castle and surprise his wife? Was it a mistake to be attracted by the light of the greenhouse shining alone among the garden where the snow fell?


    ¡®Why¡­¡¯


    No, the problem wasn¡¯t with him. The problem was them. Hugging each other near a long-growing plant in the greenhouse¡­¡­. The two didn¡¯t seem to be worried nor cared about the secret meeting.


    The red hair shone proudly under the greenhouse. The big hand that constantly stroked her black hair was friendly.


    His wife was crying sadly. Nodding at his whispers, hugging her old fiance tightly. Her smiling face was unfamiliar to him than her ever crying face. How can you make such a face? Ezekiel had never seen Herace wear such a face.


    The emotions in her blue eyes were so complex that it was hard to read, but at the same time, they were so clear and sincere. So it was even more painful for him to see. You didn¡¯t smile at me. You never looked at me like that.


    The dry thorn stuck in his heart silently ate away at him. It was dying, but it quickly grew in power again, sprouted in a short time, blossomed, and dropped a fruit.


    Thousands of seeds from the fallen fruit eroded the whole mind. So abundant nourishment has grown all those seeds and borne fruit again¡­¡­.


    ¡®To me¡­¡¯


    Herace, who was shaking her head, stepped back, saying what? She staggered back as if she had been caught in something, perhaps by God¡¯s play. Ezekiel almost ran forward without realizing it.


    At that moment, Charles quickly reached for her. A swift approach, a smiling face with a sigh of relief. There wasn¡¯t a bit of awkwardness between the two.


    Alas¡­ Ezekiel couldn¡¯t keep his eyes open anymore.


    As he closed his eyes, black smoke crept out of his right eye and wrapped around him. At the same time, a low laugh and a dim voice whispered in his ear.


    [Is the child in your wife¡¯s stomach really yours?]


    ***


    T/N: I knew this was coming and one of the reasons why I picked this novel up. Usually in angst novels, it is mainly the ml who is at fault. But I can see it clear as day that it is the FL who is at fault here. It doesn¡¯t matter whom she loves, if it was herself, seeing her husband embracing another woman, she would be hurt and resentful too. I am not saying the ml isn¡¯t at fault either. No matter how much you are dissatisfied with your wife, just divorce her. No need to torture her physically, mentally and emotionally.


    My point is, both the FL and ML here are the main reason for their unhappiness. The FL shouldn¡¯t have embraced a man after their marriage, no matter how much she missed him. Misunderstanding can be caused with anyone behaving like that. And the mL shouldn¡¯t have tortured her so much and at least ask her the reason.


    It¡¯s just my opinion (so please don¡¯t kill me)


    Happy reading

 CH 29

    ¡°Your Excellency! Where is the doctor? Call him now! Now!¡±


    Edgar carried the fallen Ezekiel on his back and shouted. Knights and soldiers nearby scrambled to find the doctor.


    Ezekiel¡¯s appearance in the two days that he was absent was not good at all. When he reached the entrance of the barracks, he fell from the horse and was covered in blood, because he was hit in the back by several arrows. Edgar expressed panic with his whole body, unlike Ezekiel, he had never seen such a bloody appearance of anyone.


    ¡°Your Excellency! Wake up! You call a doctor and guard the area! The enemy may come in.¡±


    Edgar remembered the arrow from Ezekiel¡¯s neck, which was red, and bit his lips. This was clearly the arrow of the barbarians.


    ¡®We¡¯ve wiped out everything around here¡­¡­.¡¯


    It was not known where the Duke encountered the barbarians or how he was so hurt, but one thing was certain. His life was in danger. The blood from Ezekiel had already soaked Edgar¡¯s back.


    ¡°Please wake up, Your Excellency. You can¡¯t close your eyes like this.¡±


    The voice of the man, known for his firmness, trembled with fear. However, the person lying on his back seemed to have already lost his mind and showed no reaction.


    ***


    His vision was blurred. Ezekiel, frowned and looked at the candle in front of him, and bent his head downward in great pain.


    ¡°Ugh!¡±


    He couldn¡¯t even breathe properly. Maybe he hurt his lungs, but the air went in and leaked somewhere. Ezekiel barely breathed and wanted to grab something by the side to sit up. Blood leaked and was coloring the white bandage that was tightly wrapped around the waist red.


    But in Ezekiel¡¯s eyes, he didn¡¯t get hurt. What is that within his blurred vision? A black mass the size of a small wild beast was sticking to his side and making a sound of sucking something. He managed to grasp the spirit clouded by pain and asked, stuttering.


    ¡°You, you¡­¡­ Ugh¡­ What is it?¡±


    [You responded so quickly.]


    The black mass answered with its teeth showing with only a mouth that has no eyes or nose. The black teeth were sharp as if they would cut just by looking at them. Ezekiel didn¡¯t know who it was, but he asked again in a familiar voice.


    ¡°What is it? Water¡­ Obviously, even then¡­¡­.¡±


    [I want to answer, but I don¡¯t have time. Let me ask you the most important thing. Do you want to live?]


    ¡°What, what¡­. Ugh!¡±


    [You know your limit, don¡¯t you? You¡¯re gonna die like this. There¡¯s probably less than an hour left.]


    He took off the black thing and reached out, but only blood flowed from the side, and the black object scattered like smoke and formed a shape again. Ezekiel stared at it with his eyes raised. He already knew from many experiences that the ominous thing that appeared was indescribable, but hideous.


    ¡®I¡¯m fascinated by that thing again.¡­.¡¯


    Ezekiel, who breathed heavily, frowned and pressed the wound. It had to be ignored. He had to get through this situation alone somehow. But the voice pierced his weakest point.


    [Do you want to think about it?]


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    [If you die, your beloved wife will be very unhappy. You know, what situation she¡¯s in. If she loses her only windbreaker, she¡¯ll probably¡­¡­.]


    The face of Herace immediately appeared in front of his dizzy vision, as if it was reflected on the surface of the water.


    There were countless images of the hands of men next to her. Holding the cloth tightly, she shook her head with a crying face. But the clueless hands stretched out toward her as if they didn¡¯t matter. And  played with her to their heart¡¯s content, holding her down. The voice also lamented and told Ezekiel vividly as if he could see the scene.


    [She¡¯ll go into some guy¡¯s arms or probably be held in several guys¡¯ arms, right? Everyone will happily reach out to her. And¡­.]


    ¡°Shut up!¡±


    Even though he knew it was an illusion, his eyes turned bloodshot. He had to kill them right away. For Herace, he had to cut off all those hands that had touched his wife and chop them into pieces.


    Ezekiel looked around for his sword. But he was so weak that he couldn¡¯t even pick up the sword under the bed. The bleeding body collapsed helplessly, shouting angrily.


    [Hahaha!]


    [What a temper¡­. That¡¯s why I ask. Do you want me to help you?]


    Ezekiel didn¡¯t want to admit it, but he felt that death was just around the corner. A slow-stopping heart, barely audible in his ears and gradually blurred eyes formed a shape in front of his vision.


    ¡°Herace¡­¡±


    My wife¡­ Ezekiel, who called his wife with a moan, squeezed out her name in despair. Eventually, he begged miserably for it to be attached to his body.


    ¡°¡­¡­Help me. I¡­ Ugh! Help¡­ help me!¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­¡±


    The thing heard his voice groaning for a long time, as if it was satisfied. It stretched long and climbed up on Ezekael¡¯s body like a snake. It raised its head and stared straight with its beady eyes. Its eyes were gold, the same color as Ezekiel, looking at him.


    [Okay, I¡¯ll save you. But it can¡¯t be without a price like the first time I helped you. I¡¯m not naturally a charitable person. Of course, you¡¯ve already paid a little bit¡­¡­.]


    The snake¡¯s tail gently swept through his bleeding sides. The blood that was flowing down because it could not be stopped by the bandage was sucked into the tail¡¯s end, as if it was swallowing it. The snake, which was gradually growing in shape, pushed its head close to Ezekiel¡¯s face.


    [¡­¡­I don¡¯t think this little amount of blood is enough to save your life just like that.]


    ¡°What¡­ do you want?¡±


    Ezekiel was willing to pay any price. If only he could go back to his wife. If no one but she was near him, that was enough.


    As if reading Ezekiel¡¯s mind, it raised the corners of its mouth and fluttered its tongue. Ezekiel was sure it was laughing at him.


    [I¡¯ll let you go back to your wife safely. Just give me some of your memories instead.]


    ¡°¡­.Memories?¡±


    [I won¡¯t take much. It will be a memory of just less than a day. Isn¡¯t it really cheap? It¡¯s worth your life.]


    Memory. It was a strange price. As this ominous thing said, it seemed like a very cheap price. But that¡¯s why Ezekiel couldn¡¯t nod recklessly. Deep suspicion clasped in his actions.


    [Oh, my¡­ You have a lot of doubts. But you¡¯ll be much more comfortable if I take that memory. It¡¯s like forgetting your sins.]


    As if he had noticed Ezekiel¡¯s suspicion, it burst into a low laugh without any reason. Only then did Ezekiel realize what memory it wanted and twisted his face with his fist clenched. It occurred to him that he had been forgetting it for a moment because of pain and fear of death.


    ¡°You¡­!¡±


    [Don¡¯t stare at me like that. The time left may go faster. And isn¡¯t this a favor? I¡¯m saying I¡¯ll make you forget. You were the only witness to it, so if your memory disappears, it will remain a secret forever.]


    How can he forget about it? But there was no choice.


    Ezekiel remembered Herace¡¯s face that was hovering in front of his eyes and eventually nodded. At any cost, he had to go back. By her side¡­¡­.


    ¡°All right¡­¡­Ah, as you wish¡­¡­ Oh! Ha, but only Herace¡­¡­ Not just the memory of her. Rather than forgetting a part of her¡­¡­ I¡¯d die.¡±


    [Oh, my God. Boy, you really surprise me.]


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    [Okay, I won¡¯t touch anything with the memory of her. But the weight of the favor is too big¡­.]


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    [Instead, help me get a shell and I¡¯ll stay by your side. And I swear I¡¯ll forget the terms of this contract. I¡¯ll have a little fun, too. What do you think? Do you agree?]


    Ezekiel wanted to argue with the increasing price, but now he couldn¡¯t even speak. He pushed his slowly closing eyelids and squeezed his last strength and nodded. As soon as he nodded, the creature scattered like a mist in the shape of a snake and covered Ezekiel¡¯s entire body.


    [All right, Ezekiel. It¡¯s Medea¡¯s child¡­¡­.]


    Ezekiel closed his eyes after a ringing voice. A deadly sigh engulfed him.


    [¡­¡­You will return safely to your wife¡¯s arms since you have paid for it.]


    ***


    The doctor and Edgar looked ahead with startled eyes. Their lord, who was dying until dawn yesterday, was somehow sitting in the barracks and wiping his sword.


    The bandage in front of him was as clean as new. He was sure the blood had seeped in since he had washed it¡­¡­. The doctor and Edgar¡¯s eyes naturally went towards the waist of their commander. However, the loose tops did not show the scars they were looking for.


    The absent-minded doctor only came to his senses after Edgar stabbed him in the waist with his elbow. He took a step closer to Ezekiel and tried to do his duty.


    ¡°Sir, let me look at the wound for a moment.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need it.¡±


    However, Ezekiel gestured to not approach him.


    ¡°You go out, Edgar.¡±


    The doctor bowed his head to the Duke¡¯s bitter eyes while trying to say something again but failing. It was only after the doctor left the barracks that Edgar managed to answer.


    ¡°¡­¡­Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Call the woman.¡±


    Edgar hesitated, unable to answer the sudden order. He couldn¡¯t even understand his intention. Woman? Isn¡¯t that the word farthest from the lord in front of him?


    ¡°The woman¡­¡­.¡±


    Edgar, who was mumbling inappropriately, opened his mouth back after a long time. Then Ezekiel, who was wiping the sword without making eye contact with him, stopped his hand and raised his head.


    ¡°What¡­¡±


    And for a moment Edgar knew. That his lord has changed somewhere.


    A creepy sensation flowed through the spine and eroded his whole body. Edgar, who was terrified, hesitated and took a half step back, but Ezekiel still ordered with an indifferent face.


    ¡°The woman who broke into my barracks during the last subjugation. Bring the woman here.¡±

 CH 30

    The old fisherman stretched out his waist, putting his oar to the shore. It may be hard to row all night, but he was fine without any signs of fatigue, despite his age.


    ¡°I think it¡¯s better to get off now. Now that you are here, I should go back too.¡±


    Herace got off the boat precariously balanced. Erzen, who was still in her arms, yawned with his small mouth open and looked at his mother with clear eyes, as if he had slept to his heart¡¯s content. Herace smiled as she made eye contact with her son.


    ¡°Thank you. You did a big favour for me, I¡­¡­.¡±


    Herace, who had her son in her arms, signalled at Anna. At the signal from Herace, Anna took out a small pocket from her arms and held out three gold coins to the fisherman. The old man¡¯s eyes widened when he saw the shiny gold coins but then returned to their size after a while.


    ¡°That¡¯s too much.¡±


    The old man picked up a gold coin and waved his hand, but Anna reached forward once more. There was a reason for the generous payment of three gold coins. She said with a determined look.


    ¡°As I told you before, you have to keep everything a secret. No matter who asks, you can¡¯t tell them about us, and your wife too. So take this¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that. I don¡¯t have anyone waiting for me at home to meet nor do I want to meet anyone.¡±


    The old man cut Anna¡¯s words firmly. Anna looked at Herace as she stepped back as if she could not persuade him anymore.


    Herace nodded a little. Anna put the rest of the gold coins into her pocket and carefully wrapped them in her arms. They don¡¯t know what will happen in the future, but the more money, the better.


    ¡°If you follow that main street, there will be a village. Even if it¡¯s small, it¡¯s in the centre around here, so you can find a carriage there¡­¡­ It will be convenient in many ways.¡±


    When the discussion was over, the old fisherman pointed his finger to the road far away. Herace followed the old man¡¯s finger along the road and hugged Erzen to thank him again.


    ¡°Thank you again¡­¡­.¡±


    However, the greeting did not continue. It was due to a strange sense of glee that stimulated Herace.


    Looking at the deep, murky eyes of the old fisherman and the wrinkled face, she somehow got goosebumps. Herace stepped back unconsciously and hugged her son tightly. Erzen cried out, babbling at the sudden force.


    ¡°¡­¡­Then take care of yourself.¡±


    The old man glanced at Herace and Erzen, and pushed the ground with the oar. The boat slid into the lake in reaction and quickly began to move away.


    ¡°Miss, let¡¯s go. We need to move fast.¡±


    Herace, who was staring blankly at the moving boat, finally came to her senses at Anna¡¯s call. She looked once more at the old fisherman who was becoming a dot and turned around.


    As Anna said, they need to move fast.


    ***


    The old fisherman stopped rowing and stared at the gold coin in his palm.


    ¡°¡­¡­what should I buy with this much money?¡±


    It was the first gold coin that he had ever held in his life. The cold touch was different from the copper coins that were often touched.


    ¡°I should have closed my eyes and received everything. I don¡¯t know what will happen in the future.¡±


    From the time he was born as a poor fisherman, all the money that fell on the poor was always a few coins. The old man fiddled with the gold coin for a long time with his fingers whose fingertips had worn out. With this, he could buy deer meat that people in the house liked. Is that all? With the extra money, he could get a good piece of cloth for himself. And he could also add some to his daughter¡¯s dowry who will marry far away.


    The old fisherman rowed vigorously. As the boat disappeared into the fog in the morning, the old man¡¯s figure faded accordingly.


    ¡°Please wait. I¡¯m on my way¡­¡­.¡±


    A formless, contrite voice hovered over the lake. And at the same time, something fell into the water and made a splashing sound.


    Splash!


    An empty boat rocked on the lake. All that was left on the boat was an old oar and a shiny gold coin.


    ***


    The man swallowed his dry saliva. It was because even if he was such a dullard that goes on for life without any care in the world, he never intended to stand in front of the man whose stare was enough to send shivers down his spine.


    ¡°Is there an old fisherman nearby? If so, tell me where he lives.¡±


    His red eyes were bloodshot. The man trembled at the sound of his voice, and barely opened his mouth. But just in time, Ezekiel¡¯s black horse gave a fierce neigh.


    ¡°He, he lives around here¡­¡­ Haah!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­it¡¯s frustrating.¡±


    The surprised man fell backwards and couldn¡¯t speak properly. Ezekiel glared at the village man on the floor who couldn¡¯t even speak properly and gestured toward Edgar, who was right behind him. Edgar got off the horse and approached the man.


    ¡°You are standing in front of His Excellency the Duke. Speak straight.¡±


    Ezekiel and his party followed the traces of Herace to Lake Aunue. And that was when they heard last night that someone saw an old fisherman carrying two women and a baby on a small boat. They were looking for all the old fishermen near Lake Aunue.


    ¡°There are no old fishermen around. But there was an old man, who was called grandfather Bill, but he¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Grandfather Bill?¡±


    Edgar rushed the man with a quick step. Ezekiel¡¯s eyes, who was listening from behind, also became fiercer.


    The man couldn¡¯t bear to face Ezekiel who was riding on the horse. Instead, he kept his eyes fixed on the giant horseshoe and the legs that stretched out on it, and continued with difficulty.


    ¡°Bill, grandfather Bill died a while ago. He followed after his wife, who killed herself after they lost their daughter. I remembered it properly because it was a rare and bizarre accident.¡±


    ****


    Bill was a fisherman on Lake Aunue. He lived alone for more than 30 years and netted every day on a boat.


    ¡®What do you mean marriage at this age?¡­ I¡¯m just gonna live like this.¡¯


    He was a comfortable person who wanted to be alone. Having lived alone with his grandfather and been alone since he was about ten years old, he did not pay attention to women. But didn¡¯t they say that everyone in the world has a partner that God has chosen?


    ¡®Hey! Hey! Wake up!¡¯


    One late spring, a foreign woman was caught in Bill¡¯s net, who was fishing as usual. Perhaps because she drank a lot of water, the woman¡¯s stomach was swollen compared to her body, and her face was as blue as the lake. Nevertheless, the woman was as beautiful as the legendary Siren.


    Bill took care of the woman, giving up fishing for a while. The villagers shook their heads when they heard that he picked up a foreign woman and took care of her.


    ¡®She has a face that even young people would be dying to marry her.¡¯


    ¡®There are already a few young men who have a crush on her.¡¯


    It was worth saying that the foreign woman was beautiful no matter who looked at her. Besides, she was a young woman in her prime. Who knew what kind of strange story someone spread, but everyone thought she didn¡¯t suit an old man like Bill. Everyone thought that if the woman regained her health, she would leave Bill or go to another man.


    However, the foreign woman did not leave Bill even after she recovered. She helped Bill with the net and took care of the house for him, who went fishing. After living together for years, the woman naturally became Bill¡¯s wife.


    ¡®You did a good job.¡¯


    ¡®¡­this, her name will be Erna.¡¯


    Thanks to his young wife, Bill had a daughter by the end of the year. Erna was a very pretty child whose beauty resembled her mother.


    ¡®There¡¯s no way that child looks like Bill. How can the old Bill have such a baby?¡¯


    ¡®Erna says she¡¯s a pushover. I heard it from someone that.¡­.¡¯


    However, was the appearance of her mother¡¯s beautiful appearance the problem? When the child was seven years old, there was a secret rumour in the neighbourhood. It was a rumour that Erna was not Bill¡¯s child.


    Bill became angry when he first heard the rumour. However, the rumours swelled day by day, and at some point, he didn¡¯t believe his wife anymore, and slowly went crazy with suspicion. Bill was furious when he found his wife talking to the man next door.


    ¡®Where are you going! Damn it!¡¯


    Clink!


    Doubts raised doubts and abusive language turned into violence. From some point on, Bill no longer cared who Erna¡¯s biological father was. The old fisherman was only afraid that a man superior to him would steal his beautiful and young wife.


    Bill often hit his fine wife with a callous hand. The bright and beautiful woman suddenly became a poor woman living with bruises. Every day, something broke, someone screamed, and the sound of a child crying came out from the cosy lake hut.


    ¡®Oh, my God, Erna. Are you okay? Bill, your father was crazy today again?¡¯


    ¡®Yes, but I¡¯m fine today, ma¡¯am.¡¯


    Violence gradually decreased as the child grew and the woman did not leave the house. However, the fence around the cabin became stronger by the day. The woman, who sometimes showed her face to her neighbour, had become a person who was difficult to see even by her neighbour.


    Still, the three were in the fence of a ¡®happy¡¯ family. Bill was satisfied that she gave up fighting, although it was a close relationship made by restraint. And as Erna grew up before he knew it, she promised to marry a young man she had in mind and go far away from her abusive father.


    ¡®Mom, he¡¯s not like father. If I can find a place with him to live, I¡¯ll call mom. Mom can come and live with me, not with my father. All right?¡¯


    Erna, who became a woman from a child, often smiled unlike when she was young. She was beautiful and bright like her mother before she married Bill.


    Bill didn¡¯t like her daughter being happy. No, in fact, he was enraged by what his daughter whispered to her mother.


    ¡®She has collected something that¡¯s not even worthy to be a family. That cheeky girl..¡­.¡¯


    Having his eyes turned red in anger, he gave himself a justification, saying he wouldn¡¯t be a man if he couldn¡¯t stop his daughter from running away, nor would he make a man miserable like him. So, one day, when he was drunk, he called the young man who would marry his daughter and shared his doubts with him.


    ¡®Erna, she¡¯s not my daughter.¡¯


    ¡®¡­¡­what?¡¯


    ¡®You are wondering why I¡¯m still living with her dirty mother?¡¯


    ¡®Well, that¡¯s¡­¡­.¡¯


    ¡®That¡¯s what you will be like if you marry her. Are you confident that she will be with you forever? That girl had a couple of guys before she met you. Just like her mother. She went outside to meet men every day.¡¯


    ¡®¡­¡­.¡¯


    ¡®Think carefully. Or you¡¯ll be unhappy like me. You will have to live with a dirty woman forever. You¡¯ll doubt it and hate it. But you won¡¯t be able to let her go. Why? Because I love her, as you love Erna.¡¯


    ¡®¡­¡­.¡¯


    ¡®Will you live a life like me? Are you confident?¡¯


    Bill scorned his daughter for going out so often. And even said that she had several men before she met the young man. He said she was like her mother, who liked to meet with different men everyday.

 CH 31

    ¡®What did he say to you?¡¯


    It was true that Erna went out secretly. But there was only one reason she acted like that. To pick flowers for a mother who couldn¡¯t go out because of her father, to let her know the world. That was all.


    ¡®I¡¯m sorry, but I¡­¡­.¡¯


    ¡®Please¡­ please don¡¯t do this.¡¯


    ¡®¡­¡­I don¡¯t want to live like your father.¡¯


    The spineless young man fell for Bill¡¯s words. He left as easily as he did when he came without trusting Erna. There was no note, no greeting.


    ¡®Argh!¡¯


    The short time spent with the person who left was all for Erna. She couldn¡¯t accept a breakup with a man she believed would get her mother out of hell.


    ¡®Hey, hey, old man Bill. Erna is¡­¡¯


    Shortly after the young man left, a blue body emerged in Lake Aunue. Erna¡¯s cheeks were clear with tears even though she was wet. The frozen fingertips were so blue. People said her grief was imbued with her.


    ¡®I didn¡¯t mean to. I just¡­ I just¡­¡­.¡¯


    Bill was in despair at the death of his daughter. Even though she was a child who he had not considered as his child for more than 10 years, he could not endure it after she died. But his wife was in more pain than him. The woman who lived in the hell that her husband made, looking at her only daughter, screamed in despair. And she ended up¡­¡­.


    ¡®Oh, my God, Bill. What can I do about this? Her heartbeat has stopped¡­¡­.¡¯


    She hanged herself by her daughter¡¯s grave. It happened a day after burying his daughter in the cold ground.


    ¡®Ah¡­Ah¡­¡­ Argh¡­!¡¯


    Bill tore his heart several times a day at his hand-made tragedy. In front of the tomb of his wife and daughter, he cried and begged forgiveness for his wrongdoing. But what could regret do? There was no wife or daughter left.


    The old fisherman rode the boat aimlessly for a while. Seeing him rowing without eating or sleeping, people whispered, ¡®Isn¡¯t this how a water ghost will appear?¡¯


    ¡®¡­¡­ forgive me.¡¯


    One early morning, Bill rowed out to Lake Aunue as usual. And he jumped into the blue lake like his daughter, with a noose around his neck as his wife did.


    Splash.


    The deep water swallowed the old fisherman at once. Perhaps, his sins and regrets were so deep that the lake could not bear them. Thus, the empty boat squeaked alone and occasionally wandered around the lake.


    ***


    Why am I doing this when I¡¯m in a hurry? Ezekiel asked himself why he was listening silently to the death of an old fisherman, but he couldn¡¯t find an answer.


    ¡®Unnecessarily¡­¡¯


    Even if he thought it was a waste of time, he felt strangely uncomfortable in a corner of his mind. In the end, he couldn¡¯t hold back and stared at Lake Aunue with an impression and spat out words as if he was chewing.


    ¡°Herace, you¡¯re not that stupid. So you¡­¡­ You can¡¯t leave me.¡±


    The creepy face seemed to cut through the lake immediately, let¡¯s catch my wife, and drag her in front of me.


    Edgar, who was looking at the Lord right next to him, stepped back in surprise. The black horse also trembled as if he could feel the owner¡¯s gloomy atmosphere. However, Ezekiel, the main culprit, only made a crumpled expression, and did not care about the eyes around him.


    Ezekiel pulled the reins and twisted the horse¡¯s head. Since they had looked around this village, it was their turn to go to the next place. He kicked the horse lightly in the ribs.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±


    As the black horse began to run, the knights, including Edgar, followed. A group of horses moved, the dry ground trembled, and the dust rose. The man¡¯s persistent pursuit of his wife began again.


    ***


    The castle of Serpence was like a sheet of ice. Everyone closed their mouths like clams out of the water, but is this something to be hidden by hiding?


    Two months after the mistress and her son disappeared, the castle¡¯s interior did not allow even a little warmth like the cold wind outside.


    ¡°Well¡­¡­ that¡¯s fine.¡±


    But for only one person, it was like a spring day. Charlotte smiled beautifully as she looked at the frozen Lake Aunue over the window. In her hand, the gold ring glistened, she held an elegant tea cup with a gold frame. Charlotte asked, sipping the tea.


    ¡°What about him? When is he coming?¡±¡±


    ¡°That.¡±


    Unlike Charlotte, who was relaxed, the maid standing next to her looked somewhat uneasy. The maid, who looked around the room, sighed secretly and wiggled her fingers.


    ¡®If I get scolded for coming here¡­¡­.¡¯


    The maid¡¯s anxiety was doubled just knowing where she was standing.


    The room, which was cleaned to the point of sparkling, was elegant, but somewhat unnatural. The curtains and wallpaper were not in harmony, and the hanging decorations were colourful and precious, but they were somewhat messy. In particular, the luxurious dressing table in the corner of the room was so brilliant that it did not blend in with the room at all.


    But in a way, it was natural. The things in this room were in the other room not too long ago.


    ¡®I¡¯m going to stay here from now on.¡¯


    As soon as Ezekiel left the castle, Charlotte ordered the servants to move her things to the room of the Duchess, the room where Herace lived. Her confident attitude led the servants to not seek Ezekiel¡¯s permission.


    ¡®How can I dress up with this stuff? Let¡¯s keep them aside for now and bring them to that room.¡¯


    The servants looked embarrassed as Charlotte pushed the dresser and scrambled through the room, but no one could stop her first because the owner was also away. Regardless of her origins, she was now the sole woman of their Master and the mother of the noble child of the Duke.


    However, the old butler, who knew the truth, ran up, but it was too late. Herace¡¯s room was a mess. In less than two hours, all the curtains in the room were lowered, and the couches, dressing tables, small tables, and ornaments that contained the owner¡¯s traces were left unattended in the corner of the hallway.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    The startled butler chased away the servants who carried the goods with an uncharacteristically red face. And, blocked the door as he said firmly to Charlotte.


    ¡°Never. You are not allowed to enter this room without the Lord¡¯s permission.¡±


    ¡°Get out of the way! This old man seems to be mistaken, now I¡¯m the only hostess of this castle. So of course this room is mine.¡±


    Charlotte crumpled her face and spoke to the old butler harshly. However, the old butler, who was strict about discipline, was not easy. He stood upright like a gatekeeper, unmoved by Charlotte¡¯s poisonous eyes. Then he spat out bone-chilling words at Charlotte.


    ¡°This room has been used by the Duchess for generations. But you¡¯re a mistress not the Duchess.¡±


    ¡°What, mistress? You old man!¡±


    The word ¡°mistress¡± blazed fire in Charlotte¡¯s eyes. Unable to hold back her anger, she picked up a small decorative pottery right next to her and threw it without any room for anyone to stop her.


    Clink!


    With the sound of something breaking, the old butler bent down. Surprised, servants ran quickly to help him, but the old butler who was dripping with blood didn¡¯t say anything.


    ¡°What are you doing? Move quickly!¡±


    ¡°But, the butler.¡±


    ¡°Who told you to move the old man? Move these things!¡±


    Charlotte decorated Herace¡¯s room in her own way by ordering the servants when the only one who blocked her disappeared. And she evaluated Herace¡¯s stuff as if they were originally hers.


    Just like now.


    ¡®No one¡¯s really useful. They all look pathetic. I was going to teach them a lesson as the Duchess¡­¡­ By the time he comes back, but, I¡¯ll teach this one first.¡¯


    After drinking tea, Charlotte swayed the teacup here and there and let go of her hands. The teacup, which boasted an elegant curve, flew in the air and fell to the floor in an instant.


    Clink!


    The teacup broke into pieces with a sharp noise. The startled maid looked at Charlotte unconsciously. However, Charlotte stared at the maid with a sharp look as if she was looking at something, and pointed to the floor with a chin gesture.


    ¡°What are you doing? Clean it up right now.¡±


    The maid winced at Charlotte¡¯s words. She bent down and began to pick up broken pieces of glass.


    Charlotte looked down at the maid kneeling in front of her with a smile. It couldn¡¯t have been this pleasant to lead a comfortable life by hiring others. How upsetting was it when people who were nothing in the past ignored and insulted her.


    Charlotte loosened her crossed legs like a plant and pushed the maid¡¯s back.


    ¡°Oh!¡±


    The imbalanced maid collapsed and touched the floor. A broken piece of glass grazed the maid¡¯s palm and it started to bleed. Charlotte smiled and said, looking at the side face of the crying maid.


    ¡°Are you hurt?¡±


    The maid lowered her head in silence. However, Charlotte was able to read the hostility in the maid¡¯s eyes. Charlotte whispered cheekily with her chin resting.


    ¡°It can¡¯t be helped. I mean, I¡¯m not like her.¡±


    As she laughed out loud. The maid¡¯s face hardened as if it was unfair, but why would she care? Charlotte waved her hand as if telling her to clean the glass up quickly and closed her eyes. It wasn¡¯t as big a laugh as it was a while ago, but intermittent smirking laughter leaked out.


    ¡®This is really my life.¡¯


    Warm clothes regardless of the weather outside, comfortable couches, and those who work for her.


    Charlotte leaned comfortably against the couch, fiddling with the ring on her finger. However, when her body became comfortable, her worries for a while were going through her head.


    ¡®¡­¡­I wish she would just die while running away.¡¯


    Apart from being in a good mood from occupying Herace¡¯s room, Charlotte knew that things were not just in her favour.


    The man had not returned to the castle for nearly two months after he left to chase his runaway wife. And it proved that the man was persistent with his wife for whatever reason.


    ¡®Maybe she¡¯s already dead. Otherwise, who they haven¡¯t found so far doesn¡¯t make sense to find now.¡¯


    She remembered the face of the last man she saw. The man covered in red blood had a face as hideous as the sinister liquid. Bloody eyes, eyes that can kill anyone right away¡­¡­. Some people would have thought that he had gone to kill his lifelong enemy, not to catch his runaway wife.

 CH 32

    ¡®She¡¯s dead. She¡¯s dead with a child who looks like her. I¡¯m sure Herace is already a corpse, whether she fell into a lake or rolled off a mountain. So I don¡¯t have to worry.¡¯


    Charlotte, who put her finger on her forehead and tried to smoothen her wrinkled brows, thought hopefully.


    Yeah. It was obvious she was already dead. Otherwise, how can two women, even a child who is just born, beat the pursuit of skilled knights? Charlotte nodded, thinking about the huge war horse of Ezekiel and the other knights.


    ¡®And if she didn¡¯t die, I have Miguel. If my son becomes the heir¡­¡­.¡¯


    As soon as the thought of her son came to her mind, her worries disappeared. The precious child brought Charlotte confidence just by thinking. With Miguel, she thought everything would go well with her.


    ¡°¡­¡­go get Miguel.¡±


    Charlotte, who closed her eyes, ordered the maid. But instead of saying okay, the maid called someone in a stuttering voice.


    ¡°Lord, My Lord.¡±


    Charlotte¡¯s eyes opened wide at the words ¡®My Lord¡¯. She was waiting for him to come, but she didn¡¯t expect the timing to be so sudden. But, is she back too?


    Charlotte turned her head, trying to hide her anxiety. Then she saw the man¡¯s firm chin and a solid body under it.


    Strangely, she was afraid to see the man¡¯s face. Charlotte lowered her eyes and swallowed her dry saliva like a sinner who had done something wrong.


    ¡®What did I do?¡¯


    Whether she(Herace) came back or not, she had to be confident. Yeah, she has Miguel.


    Charlotte, who clenched her fist, tried to look the man in the eye. However, when she faced the man¡¯s face, her body hardened.


    ¡°Ah¡­¡±


    The sound came out by itself. In his eyes, there was a sharp murderous gaze that seemed to cut her down immediately. Charlotte trembled with a pale face and dropped her head unconsciously. At the same time, a faint voice reached her neck as a formless sword.


    ¡°Who gave you the permission to enter this place and make it this way?¡±


    ***


    Herace¡¯s room returned to its original state within half a day. Charlotte forgot that she was the one who ordered to change the room again and ran wild. Saying she would not leave this room. She screamed in madness as if something that had been hers was taken away.


    ¡®I¡¯m the mother of Miguel. Of course, this room is mine! It¡¯s mine!


    But Ezekiel was relentless. He told Charlotte that if she stepped into this room ever again, he would cut off her legs. And if she dared to touch the things in this room, he would slit her throat. After that, he ordered the servants to drag her to her original room.


    Charlotte kicked at the servants who pulled her out and shouted, ¡®Let my Miguel grow up, I¡¯ll kill you first!¡¯ But the servants, ordered by Ezekiel, did not budge.


    Ezekiel sat still for a long time on the bed in his wife¡¯s room, which regained its original appearance after kicking Charlotte out. Hours passed away, and in an instant, dawn came, pushing the night away. The man did not move until the bluish dawn light permeated the window.


    ¡°Herace¡­¡±


    The voice reciting his wife¡¯s name was gloomy, but the tone was as soft as it could be. The man swept the sheets slowly as if touching something precious. Expectations were naturally raised as if it was the soft texture of his wife¡¯s skin on his hands.


    Ezekiel continued to call Herace¡¯s name and brought a sheet close to his face. However, the sheet only smelled of clean laundry, and there was no smell of the expected wife. Ezekiel crumpled his brows as if it were annoying.


    Every time Herace was erased from such a trivial routine, he was reminded of her running away from him, so he felt very angry. Ezekiel, who threw the sheet away, turned his head and looked at the dressing table. The dressing table, which was one of his wife¡¯s cherished things, was clean, but there was grime everywhere.


    He casted his eyes through the dressing table mirror to the jewel box beneath. Looking at the small but colourful box, he got out of bed with a stiff face and approached it. Soon, a brilliant light poured out of the small box with a click.


    ¡®Why¡­¡¯


    Ezekiel did not fully know all of his wife¡¯s accessories, but he vividly remembered everything he had given her. Herace didn¡¯t take any jewellery or gems with her. As well as the things in this jewellery box.


    On a spring day, the emerald necklace that he gave her, saying how she looked vibrant as the green leaves of spring. The coral bracelet that he gave her that resembled her blue eyes like the summer sea, and the pearl earrings that were as white as his wife¡¯s white skin.


    He was angry that none of his gifts disappeared when she ran away and examined his wife¡¯s things. Ezekiel couldn¡¯t believe that Herace left him without even packing anything that could help her.


    Tak.


    Ezekiel looked at the jewels shining in various colours and closed the box with a sound. As he kept looking, his vision twisted and his head hurt as if it was splitting. Back in bed, he laid himself down and squeezed the sheet he had thrown earlier.


    How did he feel about not seeing Herace for two months?


    He tracked down his wife that night, but somehow, she disappeared without leaving a trace, which was impossible in common sense, Ezekiel doubted he was late and time and time again forced the horse to run. Maybe there¡¯s someone who helped her. For example¡­


    ¡®I¡¯ll leave quietly. I don¡¯t want anything.¡¯


    As soon as the face of his wife, who was crying to leave the castle with her child, came to mind, a person who had been erased from his mind long ago was drawn. His half-brother who was affectionately attached to his wife. When Charles¡¯ red hair was drawn, it reminded him of that night by itself.


    ¡°¡­¡­Damn it.¡±


    Charles was also missing from some point on. Two people who couldn¡¯t see even a hair of each other, he searched for them like a mouse.


    Ezekiel grabbed the sheet tightly while imagining Herace with Charles. Are they really together like a couple? Are they smiling happily, looking at each other, avoiding his eyes?


    ¡°No, Herace. You¡¯re my wife. My wife.¡±


    The night of betrayal came like a nightmare. How many nights has she spent in the past two months like this? Emotions rising from the heart paralyzed his reasoning.


    Ezekiel called his wife¡¯s name again and again. Barely holding back his soaring anger. Just like a sedative.


    Once the mixed emotions passed, all that remained was cold anger, hatred, and a little bit of self-blame. I should have held her tighter, but when didn¡¯t I? Where did she see a gap in my love? When he thought of his wife¡¯s face, who had thought of running away while deceiving him with tears, the cold reason returned.


    Yeah, he can¡¯t let her go like this. Ezekiel looked at the ceiling and twisted lips and said. I will find where she escaped. Then, I will drag her back here where she belongs.


    Chirp, chirping.


    Suddenly he heard the sound of birds chirping. As he turned his head, he saw a blue bird trapped in a cage on the table. The little bird was pecking at the cage with its beak, perhaps it didn¡¯t like the cage.


    On the way back to the castle, a blue colour resembling his wife¡¯s eyes stood out and caught his eyes at once. Perhaps the bird had an egg, so the bird didn¡¯t try to leave when he reached out and was easily caught in his hand.


    He stood up slowly, looking at the delicate creature.


    Males have beautiful red feathers on the tip of their wings. However, females are also popular because their unique blue colour was beautiful. Unfortunately, they were so wild that they couldn¡¯t be tamed as pets, but they could be stuffed and decorate your room.


    Ezekiel looked at the singing bird and reached his hand to the cage. When a big hand popped in, the bird flapped its wings and tried to run away. But the cage was so narrow that a couple of flaps blocked the bird, and Ezekiel¡¯s hands were bigger and faster.


    The bird caught by Ezekiel chirped in resistance. A sharp sound split the room as if asking for help, not a chirp. The gesture of pecking his fingers quite quickly with a small beak was fierce, but Ezekiel did not care. He glared at the bird¡¯s wings and said.


    ¡°I won¡¯t hurt you. I just want you to be around.¡±


    ***


    ¡°Erzen, you have to sleep now.¡±


    Erzen shook his head at Herace¡¯s words. The child¡¯s face, lying on the bed and staring at his mother, was full of regret.


    ¡°It¡¯s late. You have to go to bed early so that you can get up early and play tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°No, I want to pway with Mom mole(No, I want to play with Mom more).¡±


    The child whined as usual. At the slow stuttering words expressing his intentions, Herace endured the tears and kissed her son¡¯s forehead.


    ¡°Three nights later. After three nights¡¯ sleep, I¡¯ll play with Erzen all day. My son is so obedient, so can you do me a favour this time?¡±


    Erzen then nodded quietly. But his disappointed eyes remained, forcing Herace to keep pressing her sore eyeballs.


    ¡°Mom, stway nest to Erzen (Mom, stay next to Erzen).¡±


    Erzen closed and opened his eyes several times to check that Herace was next to him and fell asleep after a long time. Herace stood up from her seat, opening the blanket with a sad face while watching Erzen breathing out evenly.


    ¡°Sigh¡­¡±


    Herace, who stepped out of the room with a heavy step, closed the door and leaned her back against it. She sighed on her own, and tears that she had endured poured out. Herace quickly wiped away her leaked tears with her sleeve and moved to the kitchen where Anna would be.


    ¡°I can do it by myself¡­¡­. Just stay with the young master.¡±


    ¡°No, we should do it together. If you do it alone, you have to stay up all night.¡±


    Anna, who guessed the situation, looked at Herace in worry. She wiped the years with her sleeve, but her red eyes were clear. Herace laughed hard, pulled out her chair, and sat down. The old wooden chair creaked a little at the weight.


    ¡°If we finish this work quickly, we will be free for the time being.¡±


    Various kinds of threads and cloth hung on the table. Herace took out the embroidering floss in the basket, nodded to Anna¡¯s words, and picked up the needle. The embroidery frame was elaborately embroidered with beautiful lilies along with the patterns of the temple.


    ¡°Yes, because the priest Yulina said she would pay a generous price. Let¡¯s take a break when this is over. The weather is getting cold and winter is coming soon, so you should stay healthy.¡±


    ¡°Come to think of it, it¡¯s already winter. It¡¯ll be a short break, too. But there¡¯s nothing prepared for the winter. Ugh¡­.¡±


    ***


    T/N: Don¡¯t you think Ezekiel is being too lenient on Charlotte? His contract was with the devil not Charlotte, and the devil also said that he won¡¯t bother Ezekiel after getting a vessel. He can just kill her since she has already served her purpose. But he didn¡¯t, doesn¡¯t. I wish he regrets more.

 CH 33

    Anna uttered the word winter without realising it. As the wooden embroidery frame fell on the table and made a dull sound, Herace shook her hand unconsciously. She was living like this by her own choice, but Anna was suffering next to her for what? When it occurred to her that she had blocked Anna¡¯s way, Herace felt so sorry for her.


    ¡°¡­¡­I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m not good enough. You had to suffer by coming with me.¡±


    Herace lowered her eyes and apologised to Anna. Only then did Anna realise that she had said something tactless, and she shook her head quickly. That¡¯s not what I meant.¡­. It¡¯s just that I feel stuffy thinking about winter. She said in a creeping voice as she looked at Herace.


    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault. It¡¯s because there are so many bad guys in the world. Forgive me. I made a slip of the tongue.¡±


    But the weight of guilt was already climbing on Herace¡¯s back. Herace smiled awkwardly at Anna and began to grope through the memories of the years.


    ¡®It¡¯s already winter. Serpence Castle must be frozen by now. He¡¯s¡­¡¯


    Herace thought of the North, which would have been already frozen in winter. She thought of the man, who is Erzen¡¯s father without realising it. She tried to forget him, but the man was like this cold season. Even when she saw the floating candle, he suddenly popped out and scattered her mind.


    Herace, who stopped sewing for a while, closed her mouth tightly and sat down.


    ¡°¡­¡­we have to do it quickly. Or Anna will have a hard time.¡±


    ***


    Three years after fleeing Serpence Castle, the three of them who escaped from Ezekiel were living an unenviable life. It was funny considering Herace¡¯s former status, but she couldn¡¯t help it. The money they earned was not sufficient, and all they could do was embroidery. Herace and Anna were barely surviving on that.


    As a lady, she could wonder why she didn¡¯t take any precious jewellery when she ran away. But Herace left the castle and didn¡¯t touch any jewellery or gems except from her maiden family. However, after her maiden family was destroyed, everything disappeared in contempt, so there was not much.


    ¡®Take some. You probably don¡¯t know how much we will need.¡¯


    Before leaving, Anna told Herace to pack a couple of things she had received. But Herace shook her head. Herace remembered that Ezekiel was not only strong, he also has an extraordinary memory. So even if she brought them, there were chances that they would be caught.


    If she took something from the jewellery box and pawned it for money, they would have been found easily. And according to the original plan, she wouldn¡¯t have lived without worries for years like this. However, Herace¡¯s party had to move their residences much more often than expected, and due to frequent movements, the money was quickly exhausted like sand escaping through their fingers.


    ¡®The child¡¯s mother is very beautiful. If it weren¡¯t for the child in her arms, I would have already snatched her away and married her.¡¯


    Herace had to settle down somewhere to save money, but it wasn¡¯t easy. Herace¡¯s appearance stood out wherever she went. Thanks to this, the village where they settled was small but rumours of a beautiful stranger appearing already flew everywhere.


    It was the same when she lived away from the villages. After interacting with some neighbours, Herace became a celebrity. The attention given to a pretty-looking woman, she hoped it wasn¡¯t something nasty¡­ Unfortunately, this was not how the world goes.


    ¡®My lord wants to bring you into the house. Oh, of course, he has a wife. But you will be kept separately and it won¡¯t be a problem. So¡­¡¯


    ¡®Come here tomorrow night. You are aware what would happen if you don¡¯t come, right?¡¯


    ¡®Leave the child behind and just come with your body. You can live in peace and luxury.¡¯


    Just as bugs fly around honey, many dirty people flocked around beautiful Herace. Two women and one small child. They were easy prey, so the dirty people always drooled around them.


    Those who promised to give her everything, such as the village head, or the lords where they work and have a good reputation, and even priests of the temple, pretended to do favours, sometimes openly expressed their desire. Herace and her group, who initially mistook their desires for goodwill, realised that the world was not easy only after overcoming one crisis.


    However, no one realised that Herace¡¯s escape was successful thanks to this. As they moved to various places for a short period of time, the group had left no trace and had left far from Serpence Castle. After passing through the north and crossing several mountains in the east, they finally found a perfect resting place.


    ¡®It looks peaceful, but¡­¡­. I should be careful this time, too, right?¡¯


    The village located in the deep valley was small enough to have less than 30 households. In addition, in an old temple near the village, there were female priests who worshipped goddesses.


    ¡°May God bless you.¡±


    Thanks to the historic temple that shared the history of the village, the villagers were generally religious. In the eyes of the capitalists, villagers with a narrow faith living in the corner of the mountain were only hillbillies in the book, but those who were simple and faithful to Herace were no less than angels.


    ¡®It would be difficult for two women to raise children together. I¡¯ll give you some free time, so take care of your child at home and work from there.¡¯


    Although it was possible to say that there were no foreigners, the villagers quickly accepted Herace¡¯s party. The elderly chief took Harace¡¯s hand, who said she had lost her husband, and comforted her by saying the Goddess¡¯ protection would be with the child, giving her a day off. In addition, the priests of the temple also felt sorry for her, raising her child alone, and gave her various conveniences.


    What they were doing now was also what she received from the temple. The priests looked at Herace¡¯s elaborate embroidering skills and asked her to embroider on a small statue or a cloth surrounding the scriptures. Although Anna, who was helping Herace wasn¡¯t as skillful as her, her embroidery wasn¡¯t bad either. So the two of them made a living by doing embroidery.


    ¡°¡­¡­Let¡¯s leave when winter passes and Erzen is five years old.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    Anna, who had been focusing on turning herself silent for a while after apologising, opened her eyes wide at the sudden words of Herace. It was hard to find such a nice village anywhere else. Surprised, she stopped her hand and looked at Herace, but Herace continued, still moving her hand, embroidering.


    ¡°You have to settle down now, too. You have to get married.¡­. You can¡¯t stay with me forever.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve always felt sorry, Anna. If it wasn¡¯t for me, you would have lived a better life. I feel apologetic towards the nanny whenever I see you.¡±


    Anna, who was looking at Herace with a tearful face while biting her lip, changed her face. She spoke in a slightly angry voice.


    ¡°¡­¡­You don¡¯t have to be apologetic towards my mother.¡±


    Herace tried to say something, but she stopped. Anna was strangely hostile to her mother. Anna¡¯s mother, who was also Herace¡¯s nanny, was clearly a mother who was on good terms with her daughter, Anna. However, Anna, who met her again after the fall of Devone, was always embarrassed whenever her mother was mentioned in conversations.


    ¡°My mother tried to kill the Lady. It¡¯s an unforgivable sin.¡±


    It was always like this when she talked to Anna about this.


    Of course, it was true that the nanny gave Herace poison. However, it was a time when her life was in danger of treason, and Herace, a woman, was likely to fall into slavery and stain her body. From the perspective of a nanny who valued conservative values, it would have been natural for her to choose an honourable death rather than a defiled noble lady.


    ¡°Anna, that¡¯s¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°With Devone¡¯s fall, the name Sherbot is gone. I¡¯m the only one left in the family and no one remembers the name Sherbot. If you hadn¡¯t found me then, I would have died or been sold into slavery. So don¡¯t say that again. I¡¯ll be by your side.¡±


    Herace, who felt sorry for Anna¡¯s hatred of her mother, opened her mouth to defend her nanny. But Anna cut off Herace and declared with a determined face that she would not leave Herace. Then she lowered her gaze and began to focus on embroidering.


    ¡®Next time, slowly¡­¡­ Let¡¯s talk when we have a lot of time.¡¯


    Herace eventually closed her mouth as if she had lost to Anna¡¯s reasoning. She wanted to relieve Anna¡¯s resentment toward her mother, but she had a lot of work to do right now. Herace moved quickly again with a needle in her white hand.


    ***


    ¡°Miguel! Miguel! Where are you?¡±


    The door slammed open. The silver-haired child, who sat alone on a large bed and was fiddling with a doll, looked up at the door. The blonde woman was looking at the child with an unfair look on her face as if she was about to collapse. Miguel asked with a smile.


    ¡°Mother, were you looking for me?¡±


    The sentence the child spouted was too clear. But for Charlotte and others in Serpence, it was already normal. Miguel communicated perfectly within a few months of speaking.


    People praised Miguel as a genius. Charlotte also showed off in many ways, thanks to her excellent son. But for her, Miguel was a necessity for other reasons rather than showing off.


    ¡°Ah¡­¡­ Miguel. My son.¡±


    Charlotte stumbled toward Miguel, who was looking at her and collapsed in front of him. On top of the coveted blonde hair, golden and jewelled ornaments poured down with a sound. Miguel patted his mother¡¯s head who was on her knees, asked gently in a tender voice.


    ¡°It¡¯s been a while since you look like this. So what happened this time?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­your father took the ring away. He said it wasn¡¯t mine.¡­ He said he will give me a lot of gold. He said it but took it away!¡±


    Charlotte¡¯s voice was full of complaints. Whining like a child, she complained to her son about her injustice. The ring wasn¡¯t even important to her. She had three rings on her ring finger. But she still couldn¡¯t hide the emptiness in her heart.

 CH 34

    ¡°It wasn¡¯t originally yours, so don¡¯t feel wronged.¡±


    Before leaving the castle, Ezekiel took the gold ring from Charlotte, who offered to see him off. That beautiful ring with a clear Serpence pattern¡­¡­. Charlotte said no, as Herace did in the past, but the results were the same. Even though it was obviously in her hands, Ezekiel¡¯s order deprived her of everything.


    ¡°He doesn¡¯t give me anything I should have¡­¡­ He took away what I had to take care of the woman who is clearly dead!¡±


    ¡°Mother.¡±


    Miguel gently called his mother and touched her shoulder, who was whining with his small hands. Charlotte raised her head slightly, and the child said, bending his large gold eyes beautifully.


    ¡°You can¡¯t be upset about that. You¡¯re stubborn, and Father is stubborn, too. You are in trouble because of your delusions and excessive greed. And the duchess is not dead. She¡¯s alive and well.¡±


    ¡°You, you!¡±


    Charlotte raised her head roughly and shouted. She didn¡¯t feel strange about her son, Miguel, who seemed to know everything. Instead, she sprang to her feet and began growling, venting all the emotions she had been suppressing.


    ¡°She¡¯s dead! Dead! That¡¯s why he hasn¡¯t found her yet!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Your mother is me! The ring is mine! The duchess¡¯ seat is mine, too! It¡¯s all mine!¡±


    Miguel squinted at his mother, who was acting almost, no, like a madwoman. The child, who stuck out his tongue and licked his lips slightly, looked as if he was eating delicious candy. The child took a slow breath and closed his eyes, enduring his mother¡¯s tantrum.


    ¡°But why! Why is he doing this to me? Why does he keep taking my things away!¡±


    Charlotte kept shouting to particularly no one and throwing things away. But her rant did not leak out, and all the objects facing the floor were somehow intact.


    It was a bizarre sight to anyone. However, neither the child sitting on the bed nor the woman running wild in her suppressed emotions responded to the abnormal phenomenon.


    Charlotte, who had been in a daze for a while, stopped acting at some point. She ran and grabbed her son¡¯s hand again.


    ¡°You¡­¡­ Miguel, if you grow up to be a successor¡­¡­ Then¡­.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Everyone will look up to me, right? I¡¯ll look at you as a duchess. Isn¡¯t that right?¡±


    Miguel only tilted his head as if he were troubled by his pathetic mother¡¯s words. Charlotte clasped her son¡¯s hand as if pleading. Only then did the child nod with a pretty smile.


    ¡°Ah¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry and get a good night¡¯s sleep. You¡¯d be ashamed if the servants and maids saw your appearance like this.¡±


    Little hands wandered around Charlotte¡¯s eyes. She followed the child¡¯s touch and collapsed on her knees again.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. I can¡¯t show this to the servants. Because I¡¯m going to be the duchess.¡±


    Charlotte, who mumbled blankly, closed her eyes with her head leaning against the seat where Miguel sat. Miguel looked at the ornaments on his mother¡¯s sleeping hair and picked up a large ruby. He put the gem in his mind and chewed up the red solid gem before mumbling.


    ¡°¡­¡­ of course, it will happen if you are alive until then, Mother.¡±


    ****


    A bundle of white lilies drawn along the pattern of the temple was exquisite as if they would immediately emit incense. The work of Herace was comparable to the work of a craftsman. The priestess Yulina mumbled, with a gaze of admiration.


    ¡°Thank you again. The goddess will repay your sincerity.¡±


    Herace, who blushed at the compliment, put her hands together and bent down. There was no word, but her shy smile and a slightly red face clearly showed how happy she was.


    ¡°You are always a beautiful believer.¡±


    Yulina looked at Herace¡¯s face glistening with joy and admired it without realising it. She should have already gotten used to it, but the woman in front of her was always surprisingly beautiful whenever she saw her.


    ¡®How could her husband, who left his wife at the hands of the Goddess, close his eyes properly to reset¡­¡­ Oh, what an unholy thought. Goddess, forgive me.¡¯


    Surprised by her impure words, priestess Yulina hurriedly reached into the white conquering sleeve. With the sound of a small bag jingling, it gently landed on Herace¡¯s white hand.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry that the price is always low for your skills.¡±


    ¡°No, I am always grateful, Priestess.¡±


    Herace, who took the bag, smiled brightly. It wasn¡¯t too heavy, but this will not only help them prepare for the upcoming winter, but she¡¯ll be able to feed Erzen a meat stew this evening. Herace put the bag in her arms and looked at the little child who held her hand.


    When Herace looked at Erzen, Yulina naturally looked at the child. She greeted Erzen, who held Herace¡¯s hand tightly, with a benevolent face.


    ¡°Come to think of it, I forgot our young believer, yes. Erzen, how have you been?¡±


    Yulina¡¯s voice was full of fondness for the child. However, Erzen buried his face deep in Herace¡¯s skirt, and peeped out only one side to look at Yulina, who was trying to find what was so embarrassing. Blue eyes that resemble his mother sparkled with the child¡¯s unique innocence.


    ¡°Erzen, say hello to the priestess.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s all right. I haven¡¯t seen him in a long time, so he¡¯s shy.¡±


    When Herace called the child in a stern voice, priestess Yulina waved her hand. She knew it from looking at the child that he was no more than two years old. The beautiful and pretty child resembling his mother was as shy as the appearance of a soft-looking child.


    ¡°Erzen, come on.¡±


    Herace had firm eyes despite Yulina¡¯s dissuasion. Erzen looked up at his stern-faced mother, pouted his lips, and hesitatingly came forward. Cute shoes that fit the child¡¯s small feet gathered in the front and made a cute shape.


    ¡°¡­¡­Hello, Priestess.¡±


    His voice was so small that no one could hear it if they didn¡¯t pay attention, but Herace gently patted the child¡¯s head as if he had done well. Erzen smiled at his mother¡¯s compliment and clung to Herace¡¯s legs again. The way he rubbed his face against his mother¡¯s skirt was so cute that the priest Yulina looked at him with a pleased face and untied the cloth bag hanging from her waist.


    ¡°Then please help me for this time¡¯s work, too. I told you last time, but it¡¯s going to be used for pretty important things.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Thank you for trusting me. I¡¯ll bring it to you as soon as possible.¡±


    Herace nodded, looking sideways at the expensive gold thread and fabric in her hand. The work entrusted by the temple this time was highly remunerated as the materials were expensive.


    ¡®I can take a break from work earlier than I expected.¡¯


    After finishing this and preparing for the winter, she¡¯ll play with Erzen all day. On a snowy day, they will have a snowball fight and then tell the child a lot of stories.


    Thinking of such a smooth future, Herace gently swept Erzen¡¯s cheek, which was attached to her skirt. The child rubbed his face on his mother¡¯s hand and acted childish.


    ¡°Then we¡¯ll be going back.¡±


    As Herace bent down, Erzen also greeted Yulina and held his mother¡¯s hand tightly. Yulina gathered her hands as if praying and nodded her head slowly.


    ¡°Yes, take good care of yourself. May the Goddess¡¯ protection¡­¡­.¡±


    However, the greeting of the priestess did not end. Yulina was about to say farewell to Herace¡¯s when she heard people buzzing outside as if there was a disturbance in the village just below the temple on the hill. There was also a pretty loud shout from the middle of the crowd, so the three of them naturally headed down the hill.


    ¡°That man is¡­¡±


    Priestess Yulina blurred her words when she saw the figure of a young man at the centre of the disturbance, to be exact. Herace, who was looking at the man following the priestess¡¯ gaze, looked at the carriage behind the horse with wary eyes. High-end wagons and deer antlers on the roof of the wagon that didn¡¯t go with these valleys¡­¡­.


    ¡®¡­¡­¡­why would noblemen come to this town?¡¯


    The owner of that carriage was obviously a nobleman. The deer horn decoration, which cannot be hung carelessly, proved it. As the crown shape was used only by the imperial family, the owl shape was used only by high-ranking officials, and the lily shape was used only by priests. The deer horn decoration was a felony if it was used by a person who was not allowed or given permission by the Emperor only to the nobles of a certain status.


    Herace asked in a dark voice.


    ¡°Who is he?¡±


    ****


    ¡°Mom, I¡¯m hungry.¡±


    The child began to fret at the delayed lunch hour. While walking gently to soothe Erzen, Herace picked up a wild flower by the side of the road and held it to Erzen. It must have been hard to carry him under the heavy weight, but Herace was happy to feel her child was growing healthily.


    ¡°Yes, Erzen. Let¡¯s go home quickly. I¡¯ll go and cook something delicious for you.¡±


    Originally, she would have arrived home and finished their meal. But Herace stayed in the temple for a few more hours, making excuses. She could have gone down right away, but she didn¡¯t want to run into the man on the horse and the group.


    ¡®By this time, he must have left the town.¡¯


    The man looked good even though she saw him from a distance. His glossy brown hair and neat appearance as the hair of a riding horse did not match such a small village.


    ¡°He was the youngest son of the lord around here. He came back from the capital. I¡¯ve heard that¡­¡­ He wouldn¡¯t walk in a town like this all the time. I only know his face because I¡¯ve seen it a few times at prayer time.¡±


    But that made her more wary. Unlike the villagers who did not even know her existence, let alone her face, any aristocrat who stayed in the capital might know her face. Besides, even if he didn¡¯t know her, Herace didn¡¯t want to face the local government. It was because of the many bad experiences she had in the past.


    ¡®¡­¡­it¡¯s okay. No need to worry.¡¯


    Herace shook her head which has been assuming various situations. It¡¯s been years since she left the capital. And what happened after leaving the castle was just because of some bad people. It was not good to be anxious and suspicious about something that didn¡¯t even happen.


    Herace fixed Erzen in her arms and moved again. The road in front wasn¡¯t steep, but it was downhill, so Herace¡¯s steps were cautious.

 CH 35

    T/N: This chapter will have some of TL, aka, my rants. I suggest everyone to just skip them if you feel offended. Thank you.


    ¡°I want to get off.¡±


    Erzen, who had been playing with flowers on his mother¡¯s back for a long time, whined that he wanted to get off suddenly. Herace, who was moving her steps slowly to avoid the protruding tree roots, stopped at her young son¡¯s words.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I want to get off. Erzen will walk alone.¡±


    The whims of children. Even though she knew that he was the kind of child who would like to be hugged again after walking a few steps, Herace smiled and put her son down. As soon as Erzen came down from her back, he patted his clothes with his small hands and jumped a couple of times in place. Herace kneeled down and asked, looking at her son gently, as he would get hurt even if she looked at him.


    ¡°Why did our Erzen want to walk?¡±


    ¡°Becosh, Mom ish having a hald twime with me. (Because Mom is having a hard time carrying me)¡±


    Herace¡¯s eyes grew wide for a moment at the unexpected answer. She lowered her head and held her son tightly. Surprised by her trembling body, Erzen tried to see his mother¡¯s face, but he was still held tightly in her familiar arms.


    ¡°¡­¡­Our Erzen is very kind.¡±


    The child¡¯s peculiar smell touched Herace deeply. She swept her son¡¯s hair and stood up. Erzen held his mother¡¯s hand, which was bigger than his, smiled, and waved back and forth as if wanting to go fast.


    ¡°Slowly. It¡¯s okay to walk slowly, Erzen.¡±


    The steps of the child and the mother walking together were cheerful. Herace walked leisurely along the road at Erzen¡¯s speed, even if she would be late to return home. Her face, in the midst of weeds, wild flowers, and small mountain animals, shined more than ever.


    ¡°We are almost there now. Let¡¯s eat first when we get home.¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    How much did he want to go home? Herace thought as they came almost down the hill.


    But before they turned the last corner of the hill, she heard some men chattering and the sound of many steps getting closer. At the voices of the men, Herace stopped walking in a hurry, but the group raised their eyebrows and shouted sharply as if they did not know there was anyone else except them. One man even took his hand to the sword in his waist, as if he was surprised to see her.


    ¡°What?¡±


    The group consisted of five people in total. At the same time that Herace realised that their attire was unusual, she realised that the man at the front of the group was the one she didn¡¯t want to encounter. She pursed her lips and stood at the side of the road before bowing her head. Her gesture meant she wanted them to pass by first.


    Even though Herace stepped aside, the crowd did not move. The men¡¯s faces were all engraved with surprise. They glanced furtively at Herace¡¯s face and her shabby appearance. Their eyes were open slightly in shock. With several pairs of eyes groping her face and body as if undressing her, Herace turned her face and head even lower.


    ¡°¡­¡­Then I¡¯ll leave first.¡±


    Herace tried to move, declaring with a thin voice, but the men seemed to have no sign of getting out of the way. Herace raised her head and asked them again to move with her eyes. Then, the man in the front looked at Herace with his eyes narrowed as if he had been scrutinising something.


    He scanned Herace¡¯s outfit a few more times, raised his chin and asked proudly.


    ¡°Who the hell are you?¡±


    ****


    William was the second son and youngest child of Count Ford. Unlike his eldest son, Count Ford dearly adored his younger second son. He took off his strictness against his daughters, including his eldest son, only to William was he lenient.


    But that was the problem. William, who grew up excessively free, lived his life unruly, in pursuit of pleasure. Unlike his older brother Avina, who was hung up on faith and value to be humble and moral.


    With his father¡¯s power, who was like a king in his lands, and his brother who manages all his expenses, he grew up extravagantly. Growing up with nothing to fear, William indulged himself in fulfilling any desires, causing accidents here and there. Let alone studying or socialising properly, he spent a lot of money, even in the capital where his father was working.


    And in the years he spent doing so, he committed the heinous crime of forcing a woman, who already had a fianc¨¦e, with his bad friends.


    ¡°Count Ford is capable of giving a reasonable reward to her fiance. We will also compensate the woman.¡±


    Originally, all perpetrators who committed such an atrocious crime would be punished. However, William avoided punishment because the woman¡¯s origin was an illegitimate child of a Korean-American writer, and some of the perpetrators who had caused the accident together were children of quite great families.


    [T/N: Sorry in advance *taking a deep breath* Those motherf*ckers!!!! I want to kill them all! Especially their parents! No, their mothers! How do they even teach their son to be such a bastards! I want to feel them the suffering they caused to other people! *Bowing my head* sorry for the rant.]


    The victim, the woman who was compensated, left the capital and was forcibly taken to a temple in a remote place. Her body and mind were irreversibly injured, and she could not come up to the capital or marry her loved one. It was a disastrous ending.


    The incident ended like that, but the Count, who faithfully believed that his son was good, was quite shocked by the incident his son committed. The Count immediately summoned his son to the fief and ordered him to pray for two months in the oldest temple in the fiefdom, shouting loudly to wash away his sins.


    ¡°Get out of here now! Go out and wash your sins in prayer! Now!¡±


    In a way, it was embarrassing to say it was even a punishment, but William shut his mouth at his father¡¯s order and looked as if it was unfair. Is it a crime to touch such an illegitimate child? Besides, didn¡¯t the girl laugh softly first and seduce him and his friends?


    William silently headed to the temple of the mountain valley at his father¡¯s angry face and his brother¡¯s cold eyes, but his heart was full of dissatisfaction. [T/N: This motherfu- even had the gut to be dissatisfied! *Gritting my teeth*]


    ¡®I should thank my father.¡¯


    But that was not long ago either. As soon as William saw the woman in front of him, he thought she looked like the Goddess to whom he came to pray.


    ¡®Who the hell is she?¡¯


    William moistened his lips with his tongue. It was hard to bear the feeling of being dry all over.


    The woman in front of him was dressed like a giant slob like any commoner, but she was more beautiful than any woman he had ever seen. Her white face, soft-looking body, and the inexplicable unique atmosphere.


    He admired the woman¡¯s eyes, they were as deep as a well under her long, rich black eyelashes. Then, he frowned when he saw an object that was closely attached to the woman.


    ¡°Ah?¡±


    The child didn¡¯t catch his eyes because he was busy looking at the woman. William looked at the child and clicked his tongue disapprovingly. The small child must be related to her by blood. His body had also hardened like his mother, his eyes looking up at him in fear showed off the same colour as the woman¡¯s blue eyes.


    ¡®Does she have a husband?¡¯


    Even if she was married, with that beauty, he was willing to get married to her 10 times and do it over again.


    William came to a conclusion by himself and shook his head. Although it was tiring to capture a woman with a husband, isn¡¯t she a commoner worse than a worm? It was not difficult for him to beat down a hill in the countryside with money. Not even a wealthy noble in the capital could compete with him in terms of wealth, let alone a commoner.


    ¡®It doesn¡¯t matter.¡¯


    William strode up to the woman, who was looking at him in panic. As he got closer, Herace sent Erzen to her back and bit her lips. A fierce aura like a mother animal protecting its young from a beast leaked out from her. William asked with his lips raised.


    ¡°Are you someone who lives around here?¡±


    Herace did not answer William¡¯s question. Instead, she lowered her head to avoid the man¡¯s eyes and said in a determined voice.


    ¡°¡­¡­If you¡¯re not going to pass, please move away.¡±


    ¡°Do you have a husband?¡±


    William went closer to Herace, ignoring her words. He grabbed Herace¡¯s chin with his gloved hand and twisted it around as if he were commenting on things.


    The unique skin and dampness of hunting gloves gave her goosebumps. Herace, displeased, turned her head roughly and slipped out of William¡¯s hand.


    ¡°You¡¯re quite a scrawny little girl.¡±


    William chuckled. Then the men standing behind him began to laugh along. Erzen hiccuped nervously at the scoff of the huge adult men and their overwhelming atmosphere, drawing closer to Herace.


    ¡°It¡¯s all right, Erzen. Mom is with you.¡±


    It was when Herace tried to appease her frightened son. William, who was smiling loudly with his arms folded, stopped laughing and raised his hand high.


    ¡°But she¡¯s too cocky to command me as if I was a commoner.¡±


    Slap!


    There was no hesitation in the familiar touch. Herace swallowed a scream, biting her lips hard in case Erzen would be surprised. But she could not stop her body from being thrown sideways. Erzen also fell sideways with his mother.


    ¡°Mom, Mom¡­ Mom.¡±


    As soon as Herace confirmed that Erzen had fallen, she pulled her son into her arms. The child, who was very surprised, could not even cry loudly and sniffed in Herace¡¯s arms. She coaxed Erzen without even caring about her swollen cheeks.


    ¡°Erzen, don¡¯t cry. Don¡¯t cry, my baby.¡±


    ¡°Ugh¡­Ugh¡­¡­ Mom, Mom.¡±


    Anyone with a heart would have pitied her.


    However, William was a person who saw people who were lower in status than him as livestock. He was relentless even to the common people who had rights as a nation, not a slave. A man with a beast¡¯s heart felt his greed grow bigger when he saw a woman hugging and covering the child.


    ¡®The more I see her, the better she looks.¡¯


    The famous girl who spent only one night in return of hundreds of gold coins in the capital, and the flower of the social world who needed expensive gifts to dance once were not as good as the woman in front of her. It¡¯s not only fun to have a girl like this next to him, but he¡¯ll also be quite famous among other men. Is that all? That appearance could help him in many ways.


    William smacked his lips, remembering how his best friends used the government as an excuse to do business with women. If he could get her drunk enough and then take her to the capital to do business, he is sure to have a big profit, whether it¡¯s money or status.


    ¡°Take her.¡±


    William looked down at Herace and signalled at the minions behind him. It was easier to deal with a woman with a child than to steal candy from a child. Wouldn¡¯t he be a fool if he doesn¡¯t use the child to threaten her that she must sell her body to protect her child? If he takes the child as a hostage, the woman will surely become obedient. His command moved the men behind him.


    ***


    T/N: I apologize again for my rant in the middle. It¡¯s just I was so so so ANGRY that I just couldn¡¯t stop myself. I don¡¯t hate rich people but I do hate people who use their money and status to cover up their crimes. Especially crimes like disrespecting and harassing any women in any way. Rape is considered such a heinous crime in our country that the person who causes it will directly given death penalty. But alas, it¡¯s still happening and recently another girl, who was also mute and lived just beside our community died after being raped. I just hope that people will have simple morality as a human being and won¡¯t do or inspire this kind of crime.


    Sorry again.

 CH 36

    ¡°Don¡¯t touch my child!¡±


    ¡°Mom! Mom!¡±


    At the touch of rough and inconsiderate men, Herace was helpless. She struggled not to lose Erzen somehow, but could not beat the strength of several adult men. In the end, she was overpowered by two men and Erzen by one man.


    William approached Herace, who was on her knees, caught by his minions. She struggled vigorously, calling the name of her son, not noticing whether William approached her or not. Erzen also cried and called out to his mother.


    ¡°I was worried about how I was going to pass my time in this rural corner, but I won¡¯t be bored anymore.¡±


    William grabbed Herace¡¯s chin again and made her look at him. Herace tried to move her face away because her neck, which was forced upward, hurt. But William did not lose his strength or let her go as he did a while ago. He asked, sweeping the thick lips of Herace with his thumb.


    ¡°Will you obey me calmly, now?¡±


    Herace clenched her teeth and looked at him with sharp eyes. She had been in many dangerous situations before, but she had never seen anyone act so frivolously. What should I do? She looked sideways at Erzen and bit her lips.


    ¡°You¡¯re rude even at this point.¡±


    When Herace didn¡¯t answer, William approached Erzen with a mean smile. The child, who cried for being taken away from his mother, cried louder because of fear when an adult man approached him.


    ¡°Noisy¡­ What should I do? I think I¡¯ll punish your baby instead of you who is rude.¡±


    William grabbed Erzen by the collar like pinching salt. Then, the child who was crying hiccuped before suddenly stopping. Herace¡¯s face turned pale as Erzen fainted. She twisted her body as if she was about to jump out.


    ¡°Erzen! Let go of me! Let go! Erzen!¡±


    ¡°What? What¡¯s wrong with this?¡±


    William¡¯s face was also flustered for a moment. He dropped Erzen¡¯s collar and looked at her. A guard, who looked nervous, put his ear close to the child¡¯s nose. He sighed as if it were a relief, and said to William.


    ¡°What a relief, he just fainted.¡±


    William¡¯s face was distorted. He was momentarily embarrassed that he had to feel relieved by this commoner child. He yelled at his subordinates with a fit of anger.


    ¡°What relief? It¡¯s none of my business if he dies!¡±


    William, who had been struggling with his embarrassment, grabbed Erzen¡¯s collar again. The small child¡¯s body was pulled up randomly and dropped to the ground. Herace gave a high scream and twisted her body.


    ¡°Argh! Erzen! Don¡¯t do it! Don¡¯t!¡±


    Her pale, parched face was filled with tears. When Herace screamed at the child with convulsions, the men, except William, now stiffened their faces as if they were uncomfortable. Although they moved according to the owner¡¯s order, they also had a family and had wives or mothers. It was hard to erase the guilt.


    But William only smiled at Herace. He gently touched Erzen, who fell down while facing Herace, with the tip of his shoe. Every time he tapped her son with his feet, Herace cried out with a gasp.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡­ Say that you will do as you are told by the young master. That¡¯s how it¡¯ll end.¡±


    One of the men who subdued Herace murmured only to her. Hearing that, Herace stuttered desperately and said to William.


    ¡°I, I¡¯ll do as you say. So don¡¯t do this. I¡¯ll do whatever you tell me¡­¡­.¡±


    As if satisfied, William nodded and approached Herace. Herace only saw Erzen, whether the man approached or not. One of William¡¯s men picked up Erzen on the ground and nodded pitifully at Herace. It meant the child was fine.


    ¡°I wish you had done this from the beginning. You are a mother but still made your son suffer like that. You don¡¯t deserve it.¡±


    William, who put his hand on Herace¡¯s shoulder, looked around. It was a hill road, but the road with dense trees was not overshadowed by the fact that it was a mountain road. He raised his lips disgustingly, looking at a large rock a little away.


    ¡°You will do what you¡¯re told. First of all¡­¡­.¡±


    He removed his white gloves and stretched out his arms towards Herace¡¯s arm. However, William¡¯s hand, which was about to snatch up Herace¡¯s arm, paused with the sound of an urgent step.


    ¡°What are you doing!¡±


    Everyone looked towards the voice, there was an old priestess coming down a low slope with a cane. The old woman, who carefully braided and rolled up her white hair, showed her anger, abandoning her usual calm face. The wide sleeves of the temple and management flapped wildly.


    ¡°What are you doing here, in a place which is supposed to be sacred?¡±


    Behind Yulina were other priestesses, who followed her. They also had a stern and angry face like Yulina, not a normally gentle look they always wore. When Yulina looked scornfully at the men, all but William hardened.


    ¡°Goddess, help us.¡±


    ¡°Erzen!¡±


    Yulina ran to Herace and tried to help her, rather than being conscious of her robes being dirty. However, as soon as Herace was free from the man¡¯s hands, she rushed at the man holding Erzen. The man hesitated and tried to back off, but when he saw Herace¡¯s face, he calmly gave up the child.


    ¡°Erzen¡­¡±


    Herace hugged Erzen tightly and knelt on the floor as if her legs had lost all strength. Embracing the child without caring about the dirt ground, she shook and stroked Erzen¡¯s face, wondering if her son was okay, who didn¡¯t open his eyes.


    ¡°Erzen¡­¡­Erzen. My baby, Erzen¡­¡­.¡±


    Yulina approached Herace and bent down to look at Erzen. She patted Herace on the shoulder and slowly told her to relax.


    ¡°He¡¯s just asleep, so don¡¯t worry. You have to stand up. If you keep sitting here, your clothes will get dirty.¡±


    At Yulina¡¯s words, Herace faltered and stood up as if she had finally come to her senses. Yulina sent the trembling Herace behind her and blocked her as if protecting her. Erasing her usual soft expression, she did not hide her disdainful eyes at the men with William.


    ¡°What are you doing? The girl has already decided to follow me! What are you doing with the girl? You have to explain!¡±


    William gritted his teeth when the situation that was going his way changed in an instant. However, the old priestess stepped forward without lifting an eyebrow and hit the ground hard with a cane.


    ¡°This is the land of the temple protected by the Goddess. How dare you try to commit such an atrocious crime in a place like this!¡±


    How dignified the old priestess was, William unknowingly stepped back, bumped into the subordinate right behind him, and blushed.


    ¡°Who do you dare to¡­¡­ Did you forget who I am? I¡¯m Count Ford¡¯s¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Did Lord William forget why the count sent Lord William here?¡±


    William frowned at the priestess¡¯ ugly self and raised his voice to reveal his identity. However, the old priestess cut off his words and mentioned the Count. She even took a step forward and openly criticised William.


    ¡°He eagerly asked me to help you clean up your sin, so I accepted it. But it seems you can¡¯t be cleaned¡­¡­ Tsk.¡±


    ¡°What? Say that again? Are you trying to criticise me, saying I did something wrong?¡±


    ¡°Then who do you think I said that to? Did I say that to the poor woman?¡±


    It was William, who lived almost like a king in his father¡¯s estate. He never thought anyone would dare to say that to him in his father¡¯s lands. His red face was almost bursting now.


    ¡°You crazy old woman! What are you doing? Grab that woman right now! Catch her and make her kneel before me!¡±


    William sprang in rage and pointed his finger at the priestess. But the minions didn¡¯t move as fast as they did when they tied up Herace.


    Under William, they had a tendency somewhat similar to that of the young master, but all of them were from the religious East and long-standing employees of the faithful Count of Ford. They easily touched a common woman like Herace, but they were reluctant to touch an elderly priestess even if it was the order of a young master with a bad personality.


    ¡°Do you think this old woman is wrong? Then shall I send someone to the Count immediately?¡±


    The priestess Yulina, pressed William more. Then Yulina helped Herace and led her up the way to the temple. William had bloodshot eyes as he saw Herace disappearing before his eyes, but he couldn¡¯t do anything more. It was because he was really afraid that the priestess would send someone to his father, and he guessed that the faltering subordinates were not on his side.


    ¡°Young master, if the Count knows about this¡­¡­.¡±


    In the end, William turned away, pretending he couldn¡¯t resist looking at the priestess anymore. From behind, he could feel his subordinates looking at him with a pathetic look. He gritted his teeth with a brooding face and said in a low voice.


    ¡°Things will be different. We¡¯ll see. I would never step down like this.¡±


    ****


    ¡°The place to stay is shabby. Since I haven¡¯t used it in a long time, I¡¯ll help you clean it up tomorrow.¡±


    Priestess Yulina said, frowning at the dust on her hands while sweeping the table. Spider webs and dust were all over the corner, and luggage and wooden boxes piled up randomly below them. Although people stopped staying here for a while, the annex of the old temple looked embarrassingly miserable.


    ¡°No, Priestess. I¡¯m just grateful that you let us stay here. I¡¯m sure Lady will appreciate it.¡±


    Anna waved her hand at the sorry tone of Priestess Yulina. Where would they find someone who would give their room for them to stay for a while? The priests were no better than beneficiaries to Herace¡¯s party.


    ¡°It¡¯s natural to help the people in need, so you don¡¯t have to feel pressured. And you work for us. You work for the Goddess, so I¡¯ll give you this much.¡±


    After the fiasco during the day, Herace tried to leave the village right away. However, the leading priestess, Dianna, dissuaded Herace and pointed to practical problems.


    ¡®It¡¯s winter soon. Where are you going with the child? Besides, what if you run into that rascal while you¡¯re leaving? What are you going to do then?¡¯


    Dianna¡¯s white-haired head showed her age. Herace recalled last winter hearing her.


    The first winter came shortly after leaving the castle, but by that time, she had enough money in hand, so she passed it without much difficulty. But the second and third winters¡­¡­, it was fortunate that the people of today¡¯s village sympathised with Herace¡¯s group, otherwise they would have already died of cold and hunger.

 CH 37

    ¡°Well, then, please only take care of us this winter, Priestess.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about it. Aren¡¯t you a believer of the Goddess too? Fortunately, there is a separate building left in the temple, so please stay there this winter. It¡¯s a long time ago, but it¡¯s a place where homeless priestesses used to live, so it won¡¯t be hard to stay.¡±


    When Herace said she would stay in the temple, Dianna ordered Yulina to bring Anna. Thanks to this, Anna, who was waiting for Herace and Erzen, had to pack without notice.


    Yulina headed to the temple with Anna and told her what Herace and Erzen had suffered. How long does she have to suffer like this? For Anna, who remembered Herace¡¯s maiden life, which was peaceful, the life of her Lady was now so pitiful.


    Anna sighed deeply, thinking of Herace in the room with a haggard face. Then Yulina also said with a worried face.


    ¡°There will be Priestess Dianna, but you still have to be careful for the time being.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think they will try to do anything in the temple. And I heard that the Lord here is quite faithful¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°If you think of the faithful Count, he will not dare to invade the temple and cause a disturbance. But just in case. That William is a little, no, quite famous for his lustful behaviour. I didn¡¯t think it was such a major matter because he came back to the territory after the incident in the capital, but it turned out that he did such a cruel thing¡­¡­ Goddess.¡±


    Yulina shuddered at the thought of William¡¯s sin she had just heard. To be born as a human in the world that the Goddess looks after and doing something as bad as an animal. It was an unimaginable sin to her.


    ¡°What would the deceased husband of the believer of Herace think if he knew this situation? If he was alive, she wouldn¡¯t have been suffering.¡±


    Anna stiffened her face for a moment at the mention of Herace¡¯s ¡®late¡¯ husband. People here knew that Herace lost her husband, who was a knight, to a war and was raising her son alone. But in reality¡­¡­. Anna recalled the beautiful man with cool silver hair and cold gold eyes.


    ¡®What if the Duke learns of this?¡¯


    For Anna, Ezekiel was like an insurmountable fear after the day she was almost kicked out with her tongue cut off. That was why she didn¡¯t think or say anything about the previous owner after leaving the castle.


    Herace was also extremely reluctant to talk about her husband, whom she had fled from. So for more than three years, they only occasionally spoke of the North, but closed their mouths when it came to Ezekiel, the owner of the place.


    ¡°¡­¡­ Yes, because my Master was a valiant knight. He probably wouldn¡¯t let it go.¡±


    Yulina, who didn¡¯t notice Anna¡¯s displeased tone, suddenly remembered something and held Anna¡¯s hand tightly. Anna stared at Yulina blankly at her sudden action.


    ¡°By the way, Anna is amazing, too. In fact, it won¡¯t be easy to follow Lady Herace just by loyalty.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a matter of course. I¡¯ve been with Lady since I was a kid. Besides, she¡¯s my benefactor who saved my life.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­ Come to think of it, Lady Herace said she was of noble origin. Then why don¡¯t you go back to the family? If she lost her husband, she can still go back to her maiden family. It¡¯s safer there¡­¡­.¡±


    Why are there so many sharp questions now? Anna replied with a forced calm expression, paying close attention to her expression and words in case she made a mistake.


    ¡°Even if she was an aristocrat, it was a family that had only a name. Besides, both of Lady¡¯s parents died early¡­¡­. And she doesn¡¯t have any brothers.¡±


    ¡°There was such a situation.¡±


    Yulina nodded sadly and looked out the window and stood up in a hurry. As they talked, they didn¡¯t even realise that time had passed this much. She beckoned Anna to stand up after her and picked up the outer garment she had put on the chair.


    ¡°Oh, no. It¡¯s already this late. I¡¯ll be on my way now. I¡¯m on duty to pray tonight.¡±


    ¡°Hurry and go. Don¡¯t worry about this place.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s late at night, so take a good rest. Take good care of Lady Herace. I¡¯ll come early tomorrow and help you unpack.¡±


    ¡°Yes, thank you, Priestess.¡±


    Anna saw Yulina off with a smile and stood up with a sigh as soon as she disappeared outside. Then she knocked on the door, which was firmly closed, and went in quietly.


    Erzen was lying on the bed in the narrow dark room. There seemed to be no abnormality in the way he slept while exhaling. However, the Lady¡¯s face sitting by the bedside next to the child was very worn out and looked precarious as if she was about to collapse.


    Anna opened her mouth as she looked at Herace¡¯s pale face under the candle.


    ¡°Miss.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Priestess Yulina just left.¡±


    Herace nodded silently. Anna approached Herace and tried to ask if she was okay, but she looked at her face and stopped.


    ¡°Lady, go to sleep now. You can¡¯t get up late because we have to clean and organise our luggage tomorrow.¡±


    Instead, Anna deliberately said tomorrow¡¯s schedule energetically. But Herace still nodded and didn¡¯t open her mouth. Anna sat quietly next to the Lady¡¯s gloomy expression in the candlelight.


    ¡°¡­¡­ Anna, was my choice incorrect?¡±


    The candle melted quickly and drew a shadow that fluctuate regularly. Herace spoke only after the candle had disappeared halfway. With her hands off Erzen, she just stared at her son. Her hands, as pale as her face, started shaking and were almost convulsing.


    ¡°Maybe I made Erzen go through this because I couldn¡¯t stand it.¡±


    Through what happened today, Herace realised again how weak she was. She thought she had become stronger in her own way over the past few years, but it was her own illusion. The mother couldn¡¯t do anything when the child was being treated so carelessly. Just howling and begging. She was helpless even when the man¡¯s muddy shoes stepped on the child.


    ¡®I¡¯m still¡­.¡¯


    She got through it well. What she thought was her toughness was nothing but all luck. How was it today? If the priestess hadn¡¯t saved her, she didn¡¯t know what she would do after being taken away by a man, let alone embracing a child who was scared.


    ¡°If I had endured¡­¡­ Have I found a better way? Erzen might have been well and safe in the Duke¡¯s house by now. I wouldn¡¯t have been treated so carelessly.¡±


    She was at a loss when the confidence that had gathered for a week disappeared like a virtual image. How will I protect my child in the future and how do I protect myself? Herace felt hopeless as she wandered in the darkness, where she couldn¡¯t see an inch ahead.


    ¡°I, Ezekiel¡­¡­.¡±


    A name that she hadn¡¯t tried to say for the past years suddenly popped out. At the same time, tears burst out. After talking, the face of the man was clearly drawn in front of her.


    ¡°I love you, Herace.¡±


    She had erased all the memory, but there were times when she missed his arms. When it was unbearable like today, she remembered him, who was strong and warm in the past. Even though it was only about three years ago, the days when she couldn¡¯t sleep were quite clear.


    But how would remembering him help her? Those were the days that would never come back.


    With a sad face, Herace stroked Erzen¡¯s cheek again. The slow touch was full of affection, but it was clear sadness that fell from the fingertips. Anna¡¯s eyes were wet watching the scene.


    ¡°When I decided to leave him, on one hand, I thought it was for Erzen. There were some things that I couldn¡¯t stand, but above all, I made an excuse that the situation would not be good for the child. But now¡­¡­.¡±


    There was an indescribable sense of guilt in the trembling voice. Herace¡¯s hand fell off Erzen¡¯s cheek and was lifted weakly as it headed toward her round forehead.


    ¡°¡­¡­it¡¯s literally just an excuse. I just ran away because I had a hard time.¡±


    ¡°Miss¡­¡±


    Anna, who couldn¡¯t wait, called for Herace. However, Herace, who was in a sense of shame, continued.


    ¡°¡­¡­at least I shouldn¡¯t have put Erzen¡¯s name on my ego.¡±


    Herace hated herself for being weak. She felt pathetic when she burst into tears in front of Anna, who was with her until this day because she couldn¡¯t keep a child well.


    She quietly swallowed her tears with her face buried in her hands. The sound of suppressing the sobs for fear of waking the child went over her neck and brought tremors all over her body. Anna put her hand still on Herace¡¯s back.


    ¡°Cry as you please, Miss.¡±


    How hard it must have been so far. After leaving Serpence Castle, Herace refused to show a difficult look, but Anna knew she was struggling.


    She was a girl who grew up like a flower in a greenhouse for almost all her life. At the time of Devone¡¯s destruction, she suffered, but it was also a short time. There were terrible rumours around the castle, but since she had a status as a duchess, she didn¡¯t need to worry about meals or sleeping.


    But after leaving the castle, Herace had to worry about everything. She had to endure an uncomfortable bed, and she had to embroider to make her soft hands wide for a meal. And that¡¯s not all. Her appearance, which had been praised when she was at the top of the society, became toxic and was bothering Herace.


    She thought it was worth living for some time before she left the castle.¡­. But the world wasn¡¯t as easy as she imagined. Especially for women and children. Anna has learned from the last three years how ignorant she was about the world.


    ¡°This way, you can endure tomorrow and the next day. So cry as much as you want.¡±


    Her back was greatly raised by Anna¡¯s kind consideration. She regretted escaping the castle, but what was done was done. Her cry could still be heard when she tried to suppress it in fear of waking the child, but it was not a suppressed cry, unlike a while ago.


    ¡°Thank you, Anna.¡±


    The tears died away after a long time. Herace looked back at Anna with red eyes.


    ¡°I think I always do things that I will feel sorry for.¡±


    ¡°No, you don¡¯t.¡±


    Anna¡¯s face was also wet in the meantime. Herace raised her hand and wiped Anna¡¯s tears with her thumb. She felt a little relieved after crying.


    ¡®Yes, I have Erzen and Anna. I shouldn¡¯t worry.¡¯


    Herace closed her eyes and tried to smile beautifully. A stronger voice reached Anna.


    ¡°Just let¡¯s stop it for today. I won¡¯t be like this from tomorrow. As you said, I have to clean and unpack. And I also have to finish my work.¡±

 CH 38

    The temple in the middle of the mountain was large enough to accommodate all the horses that the knights rode.


    Edgar looked at the unfamiliar building style right behind Ezekiel. Unlike other temples in the North, which extend in a straight line, are high, pointed, and enclosed within a boundary, the temple here is made of curves and soft features, and the space is open with several pillars.


    ¡®¡­¡­it¡¯s definitely more like the East.¡¯


    The temple was strictly under the jurisdiction of the North. However, the culture here, including not only buildings but also people¡¯s speech, was much closer to that of the East than to the North. Even the weather is clearly different, so it hasn¡¯t snowed here yet compared to Serpens Castle in the North, where the lake has completely frozen.


    ¡®It¡¯s pretty far away.¡¯


    Originally, it would have been once every few years to come to this area far from Serpens Castle. Unlike the North living on the border with barbarians, this area was peaceful and well-off. But now they have traveled a long way to this place, close to the border with the East, for reasons other than territorial disputes.


    There was a disturbance two years ago in a village close to the East. Ezekiel didn¡¯t care because it was such a remote place that he didn¡¯t want to waste his time coming here, but when he heard about it¡­¡­.


    ¡®¡­¡­.¡¯


    ¡°I heard that two women with a baby were seen in the village, and one of them was very beautiful. So the two local leaders of the village were heard fighting with each other over the woman. By the way, the woman the villagers talked about had black hair and blue eyes¡­¡­ Most importantly, when I showed the Duchess¡¯s portrait to the village women, they nodded saying it was the same person.¡±


    The contents informed by the person who secretly released them were quite reliable. So Ezekiel came here at once. And they gathered together those who had fought over the woman, tied them up, and put a sword on their neck. They were dragged from their homes when they were sleeping, so they shouted at the knights saying, ¡°Who is this wicked man?¡± But immediately lowered their heads after learning about Ezekiel¡¯s identity.


    ¡°Why, why did the Duke¡­¡­.¡±


    They confessed everything they remembered facing Ezekiel¡¯s murderous interrogation. All Ezekiel could find out, however, was that Herace fled in the middle of the night to escape them and headed East.


    ¡°¡­did you touch her?¡±


    ¡°What? Huh? No, sir! Ugh¡­ Ugh!¡±


    After investigating everything related to Herace, Ezekiel cut off the heads of those who tried to touch Herace without hesitation. It could have been terrible to see their neck being cut off and blood splashing at once, but the knights only cleaned up the place as if they were used to it.


    ¡®When will he quit? And if he goes further¡­¡­.¡¯


    Edgar looked at Ezekiel¡¯s back and bit his lips. It¡¯s already been more than three years since they started searching for the Duchess who ran away.


    The stealthy pursuit was no longer a secret. Although not yet known to many, the high-ranking nobles and other quick-informed people knew that Ezekiel was wandering around looking for Herace.


    ¡®Will the Northern Knights, who came from the East without prior consultation, be allowed to enter here?¡¯


    As long as the journey to find Herace was limited to the Northern land, there was no problem. However, the clue found was now pointing East beyond the Northern Territory. It¡¯s been a long time since Ezekiel let people go in secret to the East. It was clear that the Lord would run everywhere if he saw even the Duchess¡¯s shadow.


    ¡°Thank you for coming all the way, Duke.¡±


    It was when Edgar sighed in anticipation of what was to come, several priests were seen standing in front of them and greeting Ezekiel.


    Edgar looked at the High Priest bending down as if his head was touching the ground at the front and looked at the clothes he was wearing. The Priest¡¯s uniform, which was a combination of gold and silver threads on a white background, was overflowing with dignity just by looking at it.


    On the other hand, Ezekiel, the Lord of the North, was adorned in simple clothes. He was dressed as a knight, if he wore a badge with a sword around his waist and a cape fixed on his shoulder, all he had to do was wear a light armour on top of his comfortable outfit and ride a horse to pose as a perfect knight. However, unlike the priest who was groveling with a servile expression, he stood with a cool face, giving his opponent a sense of intimidation just by looking at his eyes.


    ¡°You must have received the letter. Where is it?¡±


    Ezekiel, who looked at the priests with insensitive eyes, opened his mouth. If he is told even an inch of lie, he would cut their throats right away. So the priests shrank their necks like turtles being squeezed by herons.


    ¡°Follow me, please.¡±


    After a long time, a senior priest answered. Ezekiel, who looked down at the priest with his forehead wrinkled, signalled at Edgar. Edgar told each team leader of the knights to take a rest and quickly followed Ezekiel¡¯s footsteps. Then, a questionable gaze was lodged at them from behind.


    They have already visited twenty-two temples in the North. Edgar understood the subordinates¡¯ questions but declined to speak. It wasn¡¯t because Ezekiel, the Lord, himself was silent, but what he was guessing was something he could not dare say.


    Edgar followed Ezekiel through the hallway of the Goddess¡¯ temple, where the portraits of the Goddess were delicately engraved on the wall of the corridor. Next to the benevolent Goddess, angels with wide wings were armed and pushing spears toward the Devil of Hell were also seen.


    ¡°This way. Please come on in.¡±


    After passing the long corridor, the place where the priest guided them was in front of a pair of heavy doors. The oak doors were also engraved with the portraits of Goddesses, angels, and demons like the walls of the corridor.


    Click.


    The priest opened the lock with a large key on his waist and pushed the door with difficulty. Soon, an elegant prayer room appeared with the smell of old trees.


    ¡°Be careful.¡±


    The priest¡¯s steps that crossed the threshold with a warning became more cautious. He stopped in front of the altar after entering the prayer room, reciting prayers with his head down. On the altar lay a wooden box with white lilies.


    The priest, who looked at Ezekiel with a sideways glance opened the lid of the box, and a Goddess who was wisely leaning on a tree appeared inside the box. The priest carefully lifted the statue of the Goddess which was about the size of an adult¡¯s forearm and spoke reverently.


    ¡°This is the statue of Saintess Baratam.¡±


    ****


    It was about six months after Herace disappeared. Ezekael, who was running everywhere like crazy in search of his missing wife, suddenly turned his direction and went back to the castle.


    It was the first visit of his in months, but the castle¡¯s hierarchy was well established. Even the disturbance caused by Charlotte with the Duchess¡¯s room a few months ago didn¡¯t hinder it.


    ¡°¡­¡­How did you know I would come and prepare like this?¡±


    ¡°What? It¡¯s¡­¡­Huh? Come to think of it, how¡­¡­.¡±


    However, Ezekiel ran up the stairs at once, without giving a glance at the old butler and the employees who were politely meeting him. And that day Edgar saw the Lord getting madly angry at his own son through the open door.


    ¡°Where is she? Where did you hide her?¡±


    It was strange to see the Lord questioning his own son while looking down at the bed where the child was sitting. But there was something stranger than the Lord. Edgar felt a strange sense of strangeness when he saw Miguel smiling and folding his eyes as if he was having fun with his father¡¯s angry shouts, and his mother, Charlotte sitting blankly like a doll.


    ¡°Even if I follow the trail, it¡¯s cut off at some point. Even if I found a clue, it disappeared like a fog. So tell me straight! Isn¡¯t everything your fault?¡±


    Normally, Ezekiel would have noticed that someone was peeking or eavesdropping his conversation with someone. However, he lost half his reason and had no time to care whether the door was open or who was looking inside.


    Edgar also would never have done this at any time. It was an unacceptable act that should never be done as a knight or a servant to dare to secretly see the private life of the Lord. But he couldn¡¯t take his eyes off the scene in the room. He thought he could now be sure of the identity of the anxiety that had plagued him since that day.


    At that time, the Lord, who had been injured from being hit by an arrow, wandered around the dead zone and became fine overnight. And before a month passed since then, the belly of the woman, who was brought on the order of their Lord, swelled rapidly and became full. Edgar¡¯s eyes automatically turned to Charlotte, who was sitting with unfocused eyes.


    ¡®¡­no, it¡¯s just my funny delusion.¡¯


    Edgar continued to deny his thoughts, but the doubts that occupied his head grew. And for a moment, the child sitting on the bed looked directly into Edgar¡¯s eyes between the gap of the door.


    The same bright yellow eyes as Ezekiel, the mysterious light that seemed to have been poured into gold, headed exactly for Edgar. As the child did to his father, he folded his eyes nicely to Edgar.


    ¡®This¡­¡¯


    The innocent-looking child¡¯s bright smile was also innocent. However, Edgar, who could only feel fear from the expression, blurted out what he had been thinking.


    ¡°¡­¡­is he even human?¡±


    It was a small sound that no one seemed to hear, but Ezekiel, who found Edgar standing outside the door, crumpled his face as if he had been caught for doing something illogical, and closed the door soundly. And after that day, Ezekiel was different.


    Unlike before, Ezekiel moved more systematically in search of Herace without doing anything. He released more than three times as many people across the country and made the chase faster and more accurate based on the information they brought. He also went to subjugate for a short time by doing what he had put off. And around that time, Ezekiel began to visit temples with sacred objects.


    Apparently quiet, the people of Serpens began to whisper that Ezekiel had returned, and that he would soon forget his wife, too. But it didn¡¯t take much time to realize it was an illusion.


    What was hidden in reason was more persistence than before. What remained in the place where the anger that had burned for months subsided was coldly abandoned anger. Mercy completely disappeared from Ezekiel.


    And Edgar realized as he listened to the blind sorcerer in a savage village where he had subjugated. Why is his lord looking for temple properties.


    ¡°It¡¯s no use taking it out on us, dog of a dirty empire. What you¡¯re looking for is hidden well.¡±


    ¡®¡­¡­.¡¯


    ¡°Your bluebird had already run away. You were the one that brought ¡®It¡¯ to you, and now you are completely fed up with it. It¡¯s not strange to see you and ¡®It¡¯ as one.¡±


    ¡®¡­¡­.¡¯


    ¡°There will be no joy for you as long as it is attached. Your bluebird will never be back to you¡­¡­ Oh my god!¡±


    ¡°You talk a lot when you can¡¯t even see ahead.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡­whispering, the devil is whispering to you.¡±


    Nothing could be seen in the eyes that were as muddy as a dead fish, but the sorcerer raised his head up as he died as if Ezekiel was vividly visible in front of his eyes. Looking down at the sorcerer laughing at him until the end, Ezekiel¡¯s face turned hideous. And he spoke in a livid voice to the dead body, which was cooling down.


    ¡°Shut up.¡±

 CH 39

    Present time.


    ¡°It is the oldest wooden statue in the Empire and the fourth confirmed monument of the Goddess.¡±


    The priest spoke in a proud voice and presented the statue to Ezekiel. His eyes stared a piece of wood. The statue, which was about the size of an adult¡¯s forearm, was shabby compared to the marble statue, which was the size of a person, but looked more reverent.


    The smile of the Goddess permeated between the trees was benevolent, and the wings on the back, the flowing wrinkled clothes, and the fingertips placed close to the face were delicate. When Ezekiel and Edgar couldn¡¯t take their eyes off the statue, the priest¡¯s shoulders rose further in pride.


    However, when the priest was about to explain something again, a large hand snatched the statue from the priest.


    ¡°Huh? Sir?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t feel anything, but¡­¡­ You never know if it would work, Edgar.¡±


    ¡°Hey, what the hell are you doing?¡­ Ugh!¡±


    Edgar grabbed the priest¡¯s arm, and overpowered the powerless priest at once, before lightly hitting on the back of his neck. Although, the strength hitting the neck wasn¡¯t a strong force, the priest¡¯s body collapsed in an instant due to the skill of a skilled knight. Edgar placed the priest against the wall of the prayer room and returned to Ezekiel.


    Ezekiel was only looking at the statue, without caring if the priest collapsed or not. He crumpled his brows, recalling someone from the statue¡¯s benevolent smile, pulled out a small dagger and stabbed his finger. Soon, red drops of blood rose from the man¡¯s fingertips and flowed down.


    Edgar¡¯s expression hardened with tension as Ezekiel put his finger on the statue¡¯s forehead. He swallowed his dry saliva and looked at the bloodstains on the statue. A small amount of blood permeated some of the wooden statue and flowed down with a long line.


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    But that was it. They waited quite a long time, but nothing happened to the statue. Ezekiel dropped his hand more irritable than before, almost breaking the statue with a stiff face.


    ¡°¡­¡­I can¡¯t find anything similar to that sword.¡±


    Ezekiel said, handing over the statue to Edgar.


    The object he was looking for was a kind of sacred object, but it was somewhat different from the ordinary one. Just holding it made him feel like he was touching a piece of ice, and when he sprayed his blood, it reacted with smoke. Ezekiel was looking for that kind of sacred object. However, contrary to expectations, today¡¯s visit seemed to be a waste.


    ¡°Then where will Duke go now?¡±


    Edgar asked, wiping the bloodstains on the statue with a clean cloth. Ezekiel frowned as if thinking of something.


    ¡°Going East.¡±


    ¡°But if you move the Knights like now, you¡¯ll be resisted. The Duke of Lepez won¡¯t stay put. As the Duke knows, he is quite wary of the Duke.¡±


    The nobles were overly sensitive to Ezekiel¡¯s actions. However, such a reaction was natural in a way. How much blood did he shed while wiping out the rebellion under the order of the Emperor? People couldn¡¯t forget him, who they called ¡®The butcher¡¯.


    In addition, the Eastern part of the country follows the region that lost the most of its power in the last rebellion. It was because the mother¡¯s house of the Marquis Pegato, the mastermind of the rebellion, lived in the East, and his power was also centered on the East.


    How many Eastern local families have been wiped out by the treason, no one knows. Those who did not participate in the rebellion also lost some of their acquaintances or relatives due to the deed of only one person. So whenever they heard Ezekiel¡¯s name, they trembled, saying they could be involved in it at any time.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care. I will write a letter to the Duke of Lepez myself.¡±


    Even if he sent a letter, there was no way Ezekiel and his knights would be welcomed in the East.


    But for Ezekiel, such a sensitive feeling of the East was unimportant. Only one thing was important to him. His wife. His runaway love. If Herace was in the East, or wherever she was, he was going to chase his wife to the end of the Earth and bring her back to his side.


    Ezekiel finally gave the Goddess a sidelong glance and heard the priest waking up with a groan. Edgar noticed Ezekiel was preparing to leave, so he reached out to put the statue in its original place.


    ¡°¡­¡­wait.¡±


    However, Ezekiel, who turned around and thought he would get out of the temple right away, hurriedly opened his mouth as if he had found something. Edgar, who had just put the statue in the box, turned his head with puzzled eyes.


    ¡°What¡¯s happened?¡±


    ¡°!¡±


    Even before Edgar finished speaking, Ezekael came to the altar at once. He put his hands on the altar and his eyes trembled.


    Edgar followed Ezekiel¡¯s gaze and tried to understand the reason of his Lord¡¯s unusual reaction. On the altar were only a bundle of white lilies, the symbol of the temple, and a statue of the Goddess that Edgar had put in the wooden box.


    Ezekiel¡¯s hand lifted the statue. His big eyes and calloused hands were trembling. Edgar exclaimed, and again asked the previous question with anxious eyes.


    ¡°Duke, what happened!¡±


    Ezekiel did not reply. He touched the figure of the statue and put his finger under it. Soon, the statue of the Goddess, which was lying down, rattled in a wooden box and a white cloth was revealed underneath it. Ezekiel¡¯s hand snatched the cloth as if snatching a precious object.


    ¡°Ah¡­¡±


    The place where the man¡¯s crazy eyes were fixed was an embroidery located in the center of the cloth. The man slowly stroked the temple pattern engraved with the lily pattern, held the cloth tightly, and called his wife¡¯s name.


    ¡°Herace.¡±


    ****


    ¡°Ah¡­¡­ oh dear.¡±


    Miguel sighed deeply as he sat on the couch eating cookies. At the sound, Charlotte, who sat in front of the dressing table and looked at the newly bought necklace, turned her head.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Miguel?¡±


    ¡°The Duchess could be back.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­ what?¡±


    Charlotte threw her necklace away and jumped up. She ran to the couch and grabbed her son hard on the shoulder. Her trembling pupils showed how frightened she was.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, mother. I¡¯ll protect you for the time being.¡±


    Miguel tapped his mother¡¯s hand on his shoulder and said cheerfully. But Charlotte groaned, touching her forehead as if she was shocked.


    ¡°Ah¡­¡±


    ¡°I feel sad without my mother. So you can stay here for a while.¡±


    Charlotte shook off the crumbs of the cookie and raised her eyes to her son, who spoke calmly. A sharp voice suddenly popped out as if it were a seizure.


    ¡°Shut up, you monster!¡±


    ¡°Oh, my. You can¡¯t say ¡®shut up¡¯ to your son. You can¡¯t say things like that. That¡¯s a vulgar word used by people from the bottom of the society like my mother.¡±


    ¡°How long are you going to play with me? Ezekiel, and you¡­¡­ You, too!¡±


    Miguel smiled at his mother¡¯s scream and grabbed her mother¡¯s finger pointing at him with his small hand and pulled it hard. Then Charlotte¡¯s body, who was standing, moved and her knees bent in an instant. Miguel looked down at his mother kneeling down below him and whispered in her ear.


    ¡°Then leave now.¡±


    ¡°What? What?¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t stop you. If you want to leave, go ahead. As promised, my father will take care of you with a lot of gold.¡±


    The child¡¯s voice, which became lower, was still bright and sparkled with innocence peculiar to that age. However, Charlotte shook her son¡¯s hand away with a blue face as if she had heard a scary story.


    ¡°No!¡±


    With her hands wrapped around her face, she shook her head roughly. No, I don¡¯t like that. That¡¯s not enough. Why do they have to take what¡¯s mine?


    ¡°Then what do you want me to do? My mother is too fickle. Is this also because of that humble background?¡±


    ¡°No! I am a noble Duchess! Your mother!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°I gave birth to you, the successor. So I must have not only gold but also everything of this castle!¡±


    Charlotte felt strangely comfortable after spitting out the injustice done on her. Yeah, I¡¯ll take everything what¡¯s supposed to be mine.


    She buried her face in her son¡¯s lap as the trembling body subsided. Then Miguel picked up the same kind of cookie as before and put it down and said as if it was annoying.


    ¡°Ha¡­ I¡¯m tired of trying to eat the same thing again and again. Isn¡¯t it time to change it?¡±


    ****


    Winter has come. It hasn¡¯t been long since the fallen leaves fell, but the days of snowing have become frequent.


    ¡°Try this. One of the village believers brought it, but the jam inside is quite sweet.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for always taking care of me.¡±


    ¡°What are you thanking me for? There¡¯s a lot left. Erzen, you should eat a lot, too.¡±


    Despite the cold weather, the temple life of Herace, Erzen, and Anna was smooth. Yulina openly took care of them, and Dianna, the representative of the temple, often visited and offered firewood and food to them to pray for Goddess¡¯s protection. Other priestesses also adored young Erzen and gave him snacks, so the group was having a warmer winter than ever.


    Of course, not everyone in the temple was kind to Herace¡¯s party. Wherever she went, there were times when she didn¡¯t know why people looked at her with scornful eyes. Especially, apprentice priestess Rizbelle. She always looked at Herace¡¯s party with discontented eyes.


    ¡°We already don¡¯t have enough food, but we still have to do charity¡­¡­ They have no shame.¡±


    ¡°Rizbelle!¡±


    It was the same now. Rizbelle murmured more irritably by Yulina¡¯s side, looking at the bread basket. Yulina quickly scolded her, but Erzen, who who was smiling before the words came out, hid behind Herace.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. We shouldn¡¯t have¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°No, Lady Herace. Apologise to her, Rizbelle.¡±


    ¡°No! Hmph! So annoying.¡±


    ¡°Hey, you! I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯ve been raising her since she was young, so she is unusually rude.¡±


    Yulina hurriedly apologised while looking at Rizbelle, who was disappearing with big strides, as if she was angry. It was Yulina who took care of them in the first place. But seeing her apologising, Herace, who was terribly sorry, shook her head in a hurry.


    ¡°No, Priestess. We¡¯re fine.¡±


    ¡°I guess it¡¯s because it¡¯s a sensitive time. I¡¯ll scold her later, so don¡¯t keep it in mind.¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll go. The weather is cold, so don¡¯t try to save too much firewood¡­¡­.Erzen, don¡¯t play outside too much. I¡¯m very worried that you¡¯ll fly away because of the strong wind.¡±


    Erzen, who had been scared, nodded at Yulina¡¯s friendly words and stretched out his arms as if to ask Herace to hug him. And as soon as he was in his mother¡¯s arms, he put his little lips on Yulina¡¯s cheek.


    ¡°Thank you, Priestess Yulina.¡±


    Erzen, who thanked her with a kiss, hid his face in his mother¡¯s arms as if he was embarrassed. Yulina and Herace burst out laughing at the child¡¯s cute behaviour and said goodbye to each other pleasantly.

 CH 40

    ¡°Erzen, do you like Priestess Yulina?¡±


    Herace, who saw Yulina off, asked Erzen as she sat at the table. The lunch couldn¡¯t be better with the bread Yulina brought along with a moderately cold soup. Erzen whined and nodded as he tried to scoop up the soup with a wooden spoon.


    ¡°Yeah. She¡¯s the second best I like after Mom and Anna.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    At Erzen¡¯s answer, Herace wrapped a cloth around the child¡¯s neck with a bit of a bitter face. Yulina was one of the few adults liked by Erzen, who was much more shy than his peers. But when this winter passes and spring comes, Erzen will no longer see Yulina.


    Herace asked again, with an immature gesture to Erzen, who was eating soup.


    ¡°Then will Erzen be sad if he doesn¡¯t see Priestess Yulina?¡±


    Erzen stopped spooning and stared at Herace. The little head slowly went up and repeated going down.


    ¡°Yes, but Erzen is fine as long as he has Mom. Then he¡¯s not sad.¡±


    Tears rolled up. Herace couldn¡¯t resist and hugged Erzen tightly. The child was hugged by his mother as usual, so he wasn¡¯t surprised. Herace said, patting Erzen on the head.


    ¡°Mom will always be with you. I also don¡¯t feel sad if I have Erzen.¡±


    ****


    There was a loud voice in the drawing room of the temple. Standing next to Dianna, Yulina looked at Count Ford in front of her eyes with astonishment.


    ¡°He tried to do something terrible and capture a woman with a child in a sacred place. It¡¯s natural to kick them out.¡±


    ¡°What? So you blocked my son¡¯s prayer only because of a commoner? Is the Priestess out of her mind!¡±


    The Count¡¯s words made Yulina laugh. Oh, my God, I can¡¯t believe you¡¯re talking like this. She was beyond disbelief.


    ¡®Did he say, I, Priestess Yulina is crazy? And here I always tell the other priestesses for his service to the Goddess.¡¯


    Previously, Count Ford, whom Yulina had seen, was a rare believer.


    Every year, he invited priestesses to his castle and stayed up all night to beg the Goddess for forgiveness. The sight of him with gray hair praying without opening his eyes, reflecting on the crimes he had committed over the past years, drew admiration from the priestesses.


    ¡°It¡¯s donation. Please give this money to the orphans in the village on my behalf.¡±


    Besides, even though he was a noble, he wasn¡¯t very detached. Although the taxes collected from the territory was small, he always stayed frugal and did not neglect to show mercy to the people of his territory.


    In particular, his donations to the poor or the temples in the territory was so large that the religious people cherished their Lord deeply. And Yulina, who had seen it for years, believed that he was truly the right person.


    ¡°William, if the child misses the time to pray and is not forgiven by the Goddess! Then the Priestess will be responsible!¡±


    But that was also an old saying. There was no proper appearance of him who prayed all night. He was expressing his anger at the work of the priestess as if they had done a sin. The Count was only worried that William would not be forgiven by the Goddess, and did not think a word about  Herace, who was almost in big trouble because of his son.


    ¡°I keep telling you, Count, the responsibility for this is to William¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t keep blaming William! I¡¯m sure it¡¯s the commoner¡¯s fault. She¡¯s a woman who wanders around without a husband. Isn¡¯t it obvious that all the commoner women are like that? She must have seduced William, my child with her body.¡± [T/N: As father as son. I¡¯m not even surprised.]


    ¡°What kind of nonsense is that?¡±


    Eventually, Dianna¡¯s mouth burst into shouts. When the Head Priestess stared at the Count with an angry expression, the Count clenched his lips and looked embarrassed. However, he soon put the blame back on Herace and took his son¡¯s side. He could not let her son lose the opportunity to beg mercy to the Goddess because of a commoner, who was not even an aristocratic woman or had a husband.


    ¡°Hmph! She¡¯s not a widow without a reason. This must be the anger of the Goddess for losing her husband so early. So don¡¯t try to chase away my innocent child, just chase the unclean woman. Or I¡¯ll throw you out of the fief and from the temple as a Lord.¡±


    Yulina, who couldn¡¯t resist the Count¡¯s threatening appearance, tried to step forward, but Dianna raised her hand to block her. The Head Priestess straightened her back and shouted in a cold voice.


    ¡°The temple is beyond the reach of secular power. If you do so, I have no choice but to tell the Bishop that the Lord kicked out the servants of the Goddess to embrace the sins of the blood vessels.¡±


    ¡°This¡­!¡±


    The word Bishop gave the Count an unanswered impression. It was a great insult to him who believed himself to be a faithful believer. Eventually, the Count took a step back.


    ¡°All right, I won¡¯t tell you about her again. But be prepared for William to pray here as soon as possible. Or I¡¯ll cut off the donation to the temple right away!¡±


    Bang! The sound of the door closing violently represented the Count¡¯s mood. Yulina helped Dianna, who was reeling as soon as the Count disappeared, and sat her in a nearby chair.


    ¡°Priestess Dianna¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I will not let William enter this temple. What prayer.¡±


    Yulina also thought Dianna¡¯s decision was right. However, the donation made by the Count was an amount that was hard to ignore. She blurted out the words before ending with a blur and looked worried.


    ¡°But then the donation¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°This temple has endured even when there was no donation. More than that, I know you¡¯re worried about Herace¡¯s party. The moment he will come there, I know the wicked him will run more wild.¡±


    Dianna, who touched her forehead as if she had a headache, sighed for a long time and looked outside. Dark clouds were filling the whole sky as if it were going to snow again.


    ****


    It seemed like it was snowing heavily last night, but it was sunny the next morning. Anna also went outside in the bright sun, saying she had business to do. Herace was going to have a walk after a long time with Erzen, who had been whining about wanting to build a snowman.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to make a big snowman!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Erzen. Let¡¯s go out and make a snowman.¡±


    Looking at Erzen, who was happy, it was worthwhile to sleep less throughout the snowy night and finish the work. Herace thickened her son¡¯s clothes, thinking that she would play with Erzen as much as she could today when the weather was good.


    ¡°It¡¯s uncomfortable, Mom.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s cold outside. You can¡¯t go out if you don¡¯t dress like this.¡±


    Erzen, who wore more than two layers of clothes and a scarf, whined that he was uncomfortable, but jumped well in the room at the thought of making a snowman. After arranging Erzen¡¯s clothes once more, Herace searched the drawer to put on a shawl to keep from the cold herself.


    ¡°Mom! I want to go out first.¡±


    ¡°No, Erzen. You have to go with mom. Erzen!¡±


    Herace tried to catch Erzen, but Erzen quickly went out of the room. Soon after, there was a giggling sound, and she heard the door that connected to the outside opening. Herace hurried to find the shawl, wrap it around, and followed him out. The snow piled up through the slightly open gap of the door was reflected by the light and could be seen shining.


    ¡°Erzen, you must go with Mom¡­¡­ What?¡±


    Herace opened the door with an angry voice. But she couldn¡¯t see the child who was supposed to be outside the door. Herace called Erzen with a pale face.


    ¡°Erzen!¡±


    It was only a few minutes. No, it wasn¡¯t even a few minutes. But why¡­¡­. Erzen was a small child. She was sure he didn¡¯t go far. Herace tried to suppress her anxiety and looked everywhere. And soon a small child¡¯s footprints came into her eyes.


    ¡®Ah¡­¡¯


    As if to prove that he stepped there, the remaining footprints continued around the corner of the building. Herace, relieved, quickly turned the corner following the child¡¯s trail.


    ¡°Erzen!¡±


    Then Erzen was seen. When did he get there with such small steps? The child was sitting right in front of the shrub at the end of the wall, clumping his eyes. When Herace saw the child¡¯s face behind the scarf turning red, she approached her son with a smile, forgetting her anxiety and nervousness. Her heart, which was trembling as if it would sink immediately, had regained stability when she saw the child¡¯s face.


    ¡°Erzen, I said you have to go with me.¡±


    Erzen¡¯s expression, who found Herace, also brightened. But in an instant, Erzen¡¯s eyes grew round. The child opened his mouth and shook his head at Herace with a scared expression. And in a quivering voice, he called out Herace.


    ¡°Mom, Mom¡­.¡±


    ¡°Erzen, what¡¯s wrong with you¡­¡­ Oh, my!¡±


    Herace did not see the shrub she had passed by walking, nor did a large shadow covering her own shadow, because she was busy looking at the child. As she reached for the child, a large body overtook her and covered her mouth.


    ¡°Ugh! Ugh! Ugh!¡±


    Herace struggled to escape. Another man was seen approaching the frightened Erzen and covering the child¡¯s mouth with a white cloth. Erzen struggled with his thin limbs and soon drooped his limbs. Herace¡¯s eyes grew bigger and her defiance intensified.


    ¡°Ugh! Ugh!¡±


    However, Herace¡¯s vision also gradually faded. The unpleasant and strange scent gnawed the mind from the cloth to the nose. In the end, Herace couldn¡¯t overcome the cold snow and called her son¡¯s name inside.


    ¡®Erzen¡­¡¯


    ****


    ¡°Woowu, I really don¡¯t know anything. I don¡¯t know!¡±


    Rizbelle burst into tears and shook her head violently. However, Dianna and Yulina¡¯s faces, who brought her to question, were only strict. Dianna said in a cold voice, gazing fiercely at Rizbelle, who was kneeling.


    ¡°Rizbelle, there are more than one or two priestesses who have seen you hanging around the annex for a few days. So tell me the truth. What do you know about the disappearance of Herace and Erzen?¡±


    ¡°How can you doubt me, Priestess? Maybe she took the kid and ran away. She was a wanderer in the first place. I mean¡­.¡±


    Rizbelle was not cut out for lying. Shaking pupils and hand clasping away from Dianna¡¯s eyes, it was visible she wasn¡¯t telling the truth. But Anna, who had been biting her lips so far, popped out with an unstable appearance.


    Slap!


    ¡°Argh!¡±


    ¡°Tell me! If you don¡¯t tell me, I¡¯ll tear your mouth apart!¡±

 CH 41

    ¡°Oh my God!¡±


    Yullina stopped Anna from her sudden action. Whatever the reason, it was unacceptable to say such words and violence in the temple. But Anna, shaking off Yulina, rushed back to Rizbelle with such strength no one knew she had.


    ¡°What have you done with my Lady! What have you done with the Young Master!¡±


    ¡°Miss Anna, you can¡¯t do this.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t think you¡¯ll be safe just because the Priestess stopped me. If something happens to the Lady or the Young Master, I will kill you first and get rid of you!¡±


    Anna¡¯s threat had sincerity on it. Rizbelle, who collapsed with her red cheeks, became white with Anna¡¯s poisonous eyes. Eventually, she said in a crawling voice, wiping away the tears with her sleeve.


    ¡°He said there would be no problem with her life. And I, I just¡­¡­ He said that I just have to let him know when the two of them are alone. That¡¯s all.¡±


    For Rizbelle, the Herace¡¯s group was a mass of trouble and thieves who took their share. After they came, the snacks that were often offered to the priestesses had decreased. Having grown up here since she was very young as an orphan, she didn¡¯t want to share the things with the wandering group who had monopolized her things.


    ¡°Yeah, she made it hard anyway. I know that, too. The Lord said he¡¯d cut off the donation¡­¡­ Therefore, I thought that disappearing such a woman was the way to the temple.¡±


    But she hid her mind and gave them another reason. She did so to help the temple. Isn¡¯t she(Herace) a woman who was the source of all problems? It¡¯s better if she disappears.


    ¡°This!¡±


    As Rizbelle continued, Anna¡¯s eyes became fierce, who was held back by Yulina. Dianna stood up from her chair as she walked to Rizbelle. And after warning Anna with stern eyes, she asked Rizbelle.


    ¡°Is that really all, Rizbelle? You can fool everyone but not me.¡±


    Rizbelle shook and covered her face with both hands at Dianna¡¯s stern gaze, which seemed to know something. The truth is¡­


    ¡°Actually, it¡¯s so hard to enter the temple¡­¡­ But John said I could take him with me.¡­ So that¡¯s what happened. Woo.¡±


    She was secretly dating John, one of William¡¯s men. It was something she shouldn¡¯t have done as an apprentice priestess, but it was hard to beat the attention John gave her.


    ¡°If you help me with this, the Young Master will give me a lot of money. Then let¡¯s live together with it. You said you¡¯re tired of this pathetic life of a priestess.¡±


    ¡°Ha, but¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Hurry up and decide. Will you help me and marry me, or will you end everything with me? It¡¯s up to you to decide.¡±


    Rizbelle did not want to continue her frugal temple life, nor did she want to break up with John. So she pondered for a very short time and nodded.


    ¡°Where did you say they were going?¡±


    Without losing her composure, Dianna asked. Rizbelle, who was prepared to hear some scolding, raised her head buried in her hand at Dianna¡¯s calm question. But Dianna¡¯s eyes were so fierce that they scared her as much as Anna. Rizbelle, who shrugged her shoulders, stuttered.


    ¡°I, I don¡¯t know. As I said earlier, I just let John know where they live. After that, they said they¡¯d do it on their own.¡­ He said it wouldn¡¯t be a problem. Aah!¡±


    At the end of the sentence, only Rizbelle¡¯s cry and Anna¡¯s threatening appearance and voice remained in the room. Dianna, who was looking at Rizbelle for a while, went back to her chair and sat down. She did not hide her disappointment toward Rizbelle.


    ¡°¡­¡­Rizbelle, I¡¯m disappointed.¡±


    Hearing her somewhat weak voice, Rizbelle cried louder. However, Dianna beckoned Yulina without turning her head toward Rizbelle anymore.


    ¡°Yulina, go down to the village with the priestesses. Go quickly and find traces of William.¡±


    Yulina nodded and tried to leave, but she faltered because of Anna she was holding. Anna was still staring at Rizbelle as if she was going to tear her apart. Dianna sighed one more time and looked at Anna this time.


    ¡°Please take Anna with you, too. Anna, go with the priestesses¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Priestess! Priestess!¡±


    Dianna¡¯s words couldn¡¯t continue. Because they could hear a young boy¡¯s trembling voice. The door opened rather loudly and the boy came in. Dianna opened her mouth while looking at the boy who was panting and breathing hard, but the boy quickly opened his mouth.


    ¡°We, we are in a big trouble. The, the knights stormed into the village and¡­¡­ They are coming over here!¡±


    ¡°Knights?¡±


    There was wonder on everyone¡¯s face in the room except one person. The boy, who breathed heavily, quickly explained, hitting his chest as if frustrated.


    ¡°It¡¯s not knights of the Lord. I¡¯ve never seen them before, but they¡¯re wearing shiny armor and riding horses this big. Anyway, that¡­¡­. Grandpa Billy told me to inform the Priestess quickly, so I ran from the side street to here.¡±


    Anna¡¯s face, who had turned pale alone at the boy¡¯s words, turned whiter. Yulina called her anxiously when she felt Anna¡¯s body begin to tremble.


    ¡°¡­¡­Duke?¡±


    Anna wanted to deny the identity of the ominousness that was coming up around her, but her intuition was shouting. He¡¯s here.


    ¡®No, there are more than one Duke in the Empire¡­¡­.¡¯


    Anna, who barely came to her senses with her lips under her teeth, shook her head. It couldn¡¯t have been him. How can he come here? They crossed the North and came to the East. In addition, it was a rural countryside where not a single carriage traveled well. But Anna¡¯s calm mind broke right away¡­¡­.


    ¡°Who are you? This is where the Goddess is served. You can¡¯t come in like this!¡±


    With Dianna¡¯s shout, the cold silver hair, which seemed to have carried the ice in the North, came into view. At the same time, Anna¡¯s eyes, which were imprinted with fear, faced each other directly. Anna stumbled and trembled as if she was standing in front of a huge beast, and fell down on the spot.


    ¡°Ah¡­¡­ Ah¡­¡­¡­¡±.¡±


    As the man moved, the following knights blocked other people except Anna with their bodies. Soon after, the man standing in front of the poor trembling Anna asked in a cool voice without hiding his wrath.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡­Herace, where is my wife?¡±


    ****


    Herace managed to lift her heavy eyelids. With her splitting hair and blurred vision, she felt like her mind was floating, separated from her body.


    ¡®This is¡­¡¯


    She didn¡¯t know exactly what place it was in the limited view, but she recognized the floor she was lying on. The wood made of fairly decent materials was smooth without any cuts or scratches, meaning it was well managed. However, only the unique cold air on the floor was so clear that Herace trembled.


    ¡°Are you up? You have a headache, don¡¯t you? But I couldn¡¯t help it. If it got loud, the cheeky temple girls would have noticed.¡±


    It was when Herace blinked a couple of times removing her scattered hair from her face, she heard the voice. As soon as she saw the pair of shoes, she could  recognise the owner of the voice, Herace quickly tried to rise and call her son.


    ¡°Uh¡­¡±


    She thought she shouted as hard as she could, but the only thing that came out behind the cloth covering her mouth was a suppressed moan. Moreover, even her body was not free. In the midst of the daze, Herace noticed that her arms were tied behind her, and her ankles were also tied together.


    ¡°Oh my god.¡±


    It was no use even though Herace moved her hands and feet roughly to escape from the string that restrained her. After several attempts, she eventually gave up and started looking for her son with only a free head.


    ¡°Erzen!¡±


    There was no need to go far. Erzen was not far away. However, Herace¡¯s eyes, who discovered his son, were almost stretched to the limit, rather than submerged in relief.


    Erzen, who seemed to have lost his consciousness, was trapped in an iron cage that is used to trap small animals. Herace¡¯s eyes trembled at the sight of her son lying quietly inside.


    ¡°Your child is sleeping quietly, so don¡¯t worry. Why don¡¯t you talk to me instead?


    The man¡¯s shoes blocked Herace¡¯s view again. Herace, who raised her head high, looked at the owner of the shoes and sent a sharp look. However, William, the owner of the shoes, giggled as if he was amused by the look of Herace and went closer to Erzen who was locked up.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that arrogance I see on your face even though your son is in my hand?¡±


    William pulled out a colorful dagger and scratched the bars. Then there was a chilling sound. Herace¡¯s face turned pale at William¡¯s uneasy appearance of holding a dagger helplessly.


    ¡°It looks good just by looking at it, right? Of course. I bought it for a commoner like you with money that she would never see in her life.¡±


    When Herace looked at the dagger with a fearful face, William began to explain in an excited voice. With a mean smile, he was feeling a low joy at Herace¡¯s worried gaze at Erzen.


    ¡°When I went hunting, I cut off the breath of several beasts with this. It was annoying that blood was splashing on the jewelry of the handle, but I can have my subordinates wipe it.¡±


    William has enjoyed hunting for years. It is a matter of nothing for an aristocratic young man to enjoy hunting, but the reason why he started hunting as a hobby was a little different from others. When the law strictly prohibited him from playing with commoners¡¯ lives or throwing slaves as prey for animals, he satisfied his sadistic desire with legitimate hunting.


    ¡°Usually, I leave the skin peeling to my subordinates, but sometimes I do it myself. They tell me the skin can make good gloves out of it¡­¡­ These shoes are also made from the skin of the beast I hunted.¡±


    His hunting, which began with a desire for sadism, was different from the hunting and purpose of other nobles. William did not hunt as a means to prove his ability by catching big animals or winning over others.


    ¡°Other people say hunting is fun, but I don¡¯t think hunting itself is very fun. Fast animals need to chase, and big ones can be dangerous. I wonder why other nobles are so stupid.¡­.¡±


    William did not even aim for a big beast or beast that was hard to catch in the first place. The animals he hunted were small and weak animals such as rabbits, squirrels, and deer. No wonder he wasn¡¯t hunting to win in the first place. He hunted only because he liked the moment when he took the life of the small animal.

 CH 42

    ¡°Instead, it¡¯s good to kill them when you have the time and have mercy for the last time. The beauty of hunting lies there. Before I came here, I participated in the hunt held by Marquis Dyer¡­¡­ The unlucky pig has a pretty good hunting ground, considering he can¡¯t do anything except being flabby, even unable to climb a horse.¡±


    ¡°Hmph! Hmph! Hmph!¡±


    As he grabbed the blade-shining dagger and scratched the bars one more time, Herace began to wriggle and scream silently. But her mouth that was once again blocked with a cloth couldn¡¯t make a sound. And William, lost in remembrance, went on, ignoring Herace¡¯s silent scream. Fortunately, he was intoxicated with his story and soon brought the dagger toward himself.


    ¡°The hunt was successful because there were many animals. Thanks to them, I was able to show mercy to my heart¡¯s content.¡±


    William giggled as he recalled that day, but Herace didn¡¯t care how he looked or what voice he sounded like. Her eyes only alternated between the dagger and Erzen.


    Having learned how to move her body and crawl forward, she gradually moved toward her son.


    ¡°The most exciting time was then. I caught two deer, a mother and her baby. The cub died while hunting, and the mother deer saw it¡­¡­.¡±


    When Herace didn¡¯t pay attention to his story, William stretched his hand with the dagger. This time the dagger went through the bars. Then Herace struggled almost like having a seizure. She didn¡¯t care about her skin being scratched on the wooden floor.


    ¡°Hmph¡­ Uhmmph! hmm!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­She was behaving just like you.¡±


    William, who saw tears streaming from Herace¡¯s eyes, put the dagger on the table and approached her. The appearance of him stomping and walking was light and opposite to Harace, who was crawling on the floor. William, who reached Herace in a few steps, put one knee on the floor and put his hand on the cloth that was blocking her mouth.


    ¡°I¡¯ll never forget those eyes and sounds she made. Actually, I wanted to ask. It¡¯s a terrible feeling to see the baby die first. But animals can¡¯t talk. I showed mercy at once with her.¡±


    Looking closely at William, Herace noticed that the whites of his eyes were reddish and his hands were trembling. He, who cursed several times because he couldn¡¯t pull the cloth properly, smelled of strong alcohol. When Herace realized that the man was drunk, she bit her lower lip tightly.


    ¡®He¡¯s drunk.¡¯


    William untied the knot after a long time. Herace spoke slowly in a calm tone, facing him as her mouth became free.


    ¡°I¡¯ll do whatever you want.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    William didn¡¯t notice, though he stumbled a little at the end of the sentence. He looked at Herace, who looked calm, with absurd eyes. He thought she would cry and beg like that, but what are those eyes? The woman¡¯s blue eyes, contrary to his conjecture, seemed so serene.


    ¡°I¡¯m telling you that I¡¯ll do whatever you want me to do. I¡¯m not an animal. I can understand what you¡¯re saying. So if you don¡¯t want to hold a woman who lost her child and went crazy like an animal, stop showing mercy.¡±


    However, in reality, Herace was putting all her heart into being calm. There was no way to save Erzen by crying here. And the man must have been prepared in his own way, reflecting on what he said for a short time. Herace understood that it was now only her job to save Erzen, since it¡¯s difficult to expect the help of the priestess as it was then.


    ¡°Ha! You¡¯re a woman who¡¯s more arrogant than I thought. There¡¯s no way you don¡¯t know the taste of a man when you¡¯re a woman who even gave birth to a child.¡±


    Herace didn¡¯t frown even at the random slap on the cheek. Instead, she kept her eyes down and posed as obedient as possible. William exclaimed vigorously when the woman with black hair didn¡¯t do as he expected, and even came forward to agree.


    ¡°Wasn¡¯t that what you were waiting for? In fact, you were waiting for this moment. Is it that easy for a commoner to seduce an aristocrat like me?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Well, then¡­¡­ If you want to save your child, act pretty. It¡¯s fun to see a woman like you cry and scream. You know what¡¯s funny? You can tell the mother deer¡¯s feelings with your own mouth.¡±


    Herace bowed her head deeper to untie the rope that tied her hand secretly. When the man¡¯s rough breath came close to her face, disgust poured in like rain.


    ¡®Erzen.¡¯


    With barely swallowing the rising tide, Herace called her son¡¯s name inside. Please sleep until the end of work¡­¡­. A tear flowed sadly from her closed eyes.


    ¡°¡­¡­it¡¯s worth the wait.¡±


    William, who untied the rope, whistled while looking straight down at Herace. There was an uncontrollable dirty desire in his shiny eyes. He was watching, twisting her chin around and licking his lips with his tongue.


    Bang!


    However, when he was about to move, the wooden door broke and dust rose. Surprised William turned to look at the door.


    ¡°What¡­ What!¡±


    William¡¯s body bounced off with the sound of bone crushing. When he thought he could see his men from somewhere through the gray dust, something else happened in the blink of an eye.


    ¡°Ugh¡­ Argh!¡±


    William, who was moaning as if he had hit hard, looked at his shoulder and turned his eyes up. A large sword was stuck like a spike on his shoulder, which was bleeding like being stabbed by a harpoon.


    ¡°Uh¡­¡­oh, father. Hah¡­ save, save me¡­¡­.¡±


    Originally, it was not strange to die in shock, but William, who was drunk, struggled with pain without even fainting. At least, he was wriggling on the floor with his arms intact like a worm that lived on earth as he was one.


    ¡°Ah¡­¡­¡±


    Herace, who saw William groaning like a pig, gasped with a pale face. He was the one who tried to take her by force, but she couldn¡¯t believe how easily this person looks like that.¡­. Her mind turned white.


    But her shock didn¡¯t last long. A long leg seemed to appear in front of her, shaking her whole body who was unable to even blink. And a black cape hanging behind his large back turned into a wall to cover her sight to reach William.


    ¡°¡­¡­a bug that won¡¯t come back to life if you amputate its limbs.¡±


    Herace¡¯s head slowly went up in the unforgettable voice.


    And she saw it. A beautiful face that she had tried to forget for more than three years, but she has never forgotten. The silver hair reflected by the light that came through the curtains, and the shape of gold pupils facing her straight.


    Herace involuntarily jerked back. The man¡¯s flexible jawline clenched seeing such a Herace and grabbed her back. She heard someone crying with the sound of footsteps and then disappeared. The sound of blood flowing like a river rang horrifically in the room. Soon red blood scattered diagonally across the wall.


    ¡°My wife is under another man, not her husband¡­¡­.¡±


    Blood stains decorated the floor clearly as the man took a step with a low voice. Herace quickly looked down at the sticky black blood, closed her eyes, and turned her head away. As she tried to block her view, a big hand wrapped around her face. He wiped the tears under Herace¡¯s eyes with his right thumb.


    Ezekiel said with a blank face toward Herace, who opened her eyes reflexively.


    ¡°It¡¯s not something you can expect from your husband who you haven¡¯t seen in a while. Isn¡¯t that right, Herace?¡±


    For a very short time, Herace stared straight at Ezekiel. The moment when the colour of her eyes clashed with the eyes of different colours, time stretched like a long thread and lost its meaning.


    She didn¡¯t respond to Ezekiel¡¯s words. Ezekiel also did not rush her for an answer. However, one side had a vain expression and wet eyes as if would cry at any moment, and the other side only glowed with persistent eyes.


    But it was just a moment. The time that stopped quickly turned again. Herace blinked and cried out, contemplating as if she had come to her senses.


    ¡°Erzen!¡±


    She forgot Ezekiel as if the name of her son was magical. Ezekiel tried to push her back who tried to stand up. He grabbed Herace, who collapsed because of her tied ankle, with a cool look.


    ¡°¡­¡­you are still.¡±


    ¡°Let go! Let go!¡±


    The man in front of her no longer caught Herace¡¯s attention. Herace hit the man who grabbed her again and hurriedly untied the rope that tied her ankle. They tied it so hard that her ankle was blue because blood did not flow in the meantime.


    ¡°Er, Erzen.¡±


    Despite stumbling, Herace quickly went to the cage where Erzen was trapped. The child remained motionless as if he was dead. Herace grabbed the door of the cage and shook it. The thin bars were stronger than they looked, so they only squeaked and moved, but did not budge.


    ¡°Ah¡­¡­¡±


    Herace, who checked the lock on the door, looked around and looked blankly at William¡¯s body. The body, whose shoulders were crushed and penetrated through the middle of his neck, made her cringe just by looking at it, but she quickly approached the dead. As the distance got closer, the fishy smell of death stuck to the tip of her nose.


    Herace knelt down in front of William¡¯s body, not caring about the blood on the hem of her dress. But as she reached to the body¡¯s waist to find the key, a big hand grabbed her by the shoulder and threw her back.


    ¡°Argh!¡±


    ¡°Herace, you are my wife. So don¡¯t touch other men recklessly.¡±


    Contrary to the calm tone, the man¡¯s body was full of pointed jealousy. He stared at William, who had already died, as if wanting to kill him again. Pushing Herace away, he began to search the body¡¯s waist and pockets. Soon a bundle of bloody keys was caught in the man¡¯s big hand and made a clatter.


    ¡°Hey, give it to me. Now¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    Ezekiel easily blocked Herace, who was trying to snatch the key, and walked in a big stride without saying a word. Herace hurried after him and looked anxious.


    Ezekiel, who arrived in front of the cage, put the key in the lock, but the first attempt failed. Ezekiel then calmly picked up the key.


    But the second time was also a failure. Herace¡¯s face turned pale. Eventually, when even the third key could not open the lock, Herace, who was in agony, shook and reached out to Ezekael.


    ¡°I, I¡¯ll do it.¡±


    In her eyes, Ezekiel was too slow. She was in a hurry. However, Ezekael said in a more subdued voice, pushing the fourth key into the lock after firmly refusing Herace.


    ¡°What do you mean I¡¯ll do it? Keep your mouth shut.¡±


    ***


    T/N: Hello readers! I¡¯m very very sorry for not updating any extra chapters. My exams are going on and I barely have any time to spend updating more chapters. I will try to post four chapters a week after my exams are over. Till then, please forgive me and stay tuned.

 CH 43

    ¡°But Erzen¡­¡­ We need to get the child out quickly. I don¡¯t even know if he¡¯s alright¡­¡­.¡±


    As Herace tentatively spoke in a crying voice, alternately looking between the lock and her son trapped in the cage, Ezekiel crumpled his brows and stared at her.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look so anxious. If you do that, I¡¯ll throw this key out immediately.¡±


    ¡°What, what do you mean¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Literally what I just said. If you don¡¯t want to see me throw the key away, just stand there and watch.¡±


    Herace froze on the spot. How can you say that¡­¡­. However, seeing the child¡¯s body in the corner of the cage, she stopped speaking. Ezekiel was a man who would keep his words. Recalling how indifferent and cruel he had been to Erzen over the years, Herace bit her lips.


    Clang!


    The lock was opened after a sixth attempt. As soon as it was opened, Herace rushed in and took out Erzen before holding him tightly in her arms. The child with his eyes closed was breathing, but he looked unusually pale. Feeling like her heart was going to stop, Herace turned around. It was when her arm were grabbed.


    ¡°¡­¡­where are you going?¡±


    However, Herace couldn¡¯t move a single foot from the hand that grabbed and dragged her back. Herace, who was going crazy worrying about her child, shouted in a fit.


    ¡°Get out of the way!¡±


    ¡°Herace, you¡¯re not going anywhere.¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t you see Erzen¡¯s condition? I need to bring him to the doctor! I have to go!¡±


    Ezekiel looked at Erzen with more indifferent eyes than before. Herace, who was caught and struggling to free her arms, was startled when he suddenly took the child away from her and hugged him.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°The doctor who followed me would be better than a quack in the countryside of this mountain valley.¡±


    Ezekiel took Erzen and headed toward the broken door. Not far from this room were some knights whom Herace was familiar with. Ezekiel handed Erzen over to Edgar and told him to bring the child to the doctor.


    ¡°Erzen! Let go! Let me go! I¡¯m going too! Let go!¡±


    ¡°¡­don¡¯t worry, Madam.¡±


    Edgar, who held Erzen, tried to move quickly, but couldn¡¯t help but let out a voice of reassurance to Herace, who was crying and caught by Ezekiel. Ezekiel raised his eyebrows as if disapproving him talking to Herace, but did not say anything. Herace struggled until Erzen disappeared, sitting down on the ground when her son was not visible anymore.


    ¡°Huh¡­ Erzen¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­It¡¯s been a few years since we met, but you¡¯re always only looking at your child.¡±


    Ezekiel said in an unpleasant voice, looking down at Herace, who sat randomly on the floor. Herace glared up at his words without wiping her tears.


    ¡°Did you expect to find me without the child?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°How did you find me! Why did you find me me again! What are you going to do to Erzen!¡±


    Herace, shouting and wheezing, was like a mad woman. She didn¡¯t look like the woman who was pale and worried about her child a while ago.


    As if something had burst out that had been pressing her down, she sat down, hugged her knees and buried her face in both hands. The rough shabby dress tore around the shoulders, which was wrapped around the skinny body, and showed the white skin.


    ¡°Get out.¡±


    Ezekiel¡¯s expression, who was silently watching Herace, suddenly became ugly. He spoke harshly to the knights behind him, so the knights quickly withdrew.


    Ezekiel, who lowered his gaze along his wife¡¯s exposed shoulders, frowned seeing Herace¡¯s hand. Herace¡¯s hands, which were white and fair, had changed a little before she knew it. The smooth skin became a little rough, the long and well-managed nails were cut short, and the tips of the knuckles were scratched red as if they were stabbed by something.


    ¡®Even though she lived like that¡­¡­.¡¯


    His wife must have known. He hoped that his aristocrat wife will suffer the moment she left his side, who lived like a plant in a greenhouse as a daughter and wife.


    However, his wife lived like a commoner wearing a straw mat, and was almost forced to be drunk by a man who would not have seen her toes before, but did not look for him. If he didn¡¯t get in here in due course, she¡¯d have given herself up to the punk in that room.


    Ezekiel couldn¡¯t stand it. The question of ¡®why?¡¯ lingered in his mind. You could have lived even more luxurious life at Serpence Castle. Then why¡­¡­.


    ¡®What am I to you?¡¯


    The words that had been in his head all the time looking for his wife came to mind again. However, he could not ask his wife the question, so Ezekiel forced Herace to stand up and pushed her against the wall.


    It wasn¡¯t a strong force, but the hard wall caused enough pain for Herace. Herace groaned in the pain that climbed up her back.


    ¡°Let go!¡±


    ¡°Herace, you seem to be mistaken¡­¡­ This is no time for you to cry and complain. Rather, you should thank me.¡±


    ¡°Let go! Let go of me!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not punishing you for running away like a rat. Besides, I¡¯m trying to save your son¡¯s life that I don¡¯t want to see.¡±


    When Ezekiel talked about Erzen, Herace opened her eyes wide. Thanks to this, the tears that were hanging on her eyelashes roll down her cheek. Ezekiel did not like his wife, who looked anxious whenever he talked about her child. So he said a terrible thing with a mean smile on his face.


    ¡°Considering the time I¡¯ve spent looking for you over the years, I want to throw your child on the street right away. That way, you will be as distressed as I was.¡±


    Herace¡¯s eyes were filled with sparks when she heard that she would have to abandon Erzen. Who says such a thing to their child? For Erzen, her senses had long since disappeared. Herace screamed again and jumped at him.


    ¡°I never told you to look for me! Why do you blame me for being selfish! Why do you always bring Erzen in!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t even deserve to talk about my child. So get away from us! Give me back Erzen and go away!¡±


    For Ezekiel, the appearance of Herace now was very unfamiliar. He didn¡¯t know this woman could say such harsh things. His wife, who had changed so much after living away from him, was unfamiliar and disorganised.


    ¡®Because of him¡­¡¯


    The urge to murder the child who was sent out to be seen by the doctor rose. It was all because of the child, the product of the sin of a small and tender wife with another man¡¯s seed.


    But he couldn¡¯t kill or harm the child who he hates so much right away. Then his wife..¡­. He curled his lips and whispered in Herace¡¯s ear, barely grasping the reason that seemed to disappear.


    ¡°¡­¡­that¡¯s not going to work, Herace. You¡¯re mine. I will never lose you. If anyone takes you away from me, I¡¯ll make them like the corpse in the room¡­¡­ No, I¡¯ll slaughter them more brutally than that. So that they can¡¯t even think about you even if I die. I¡¯m going to rip their body and soul apart with a sword. Of course¡­¡­¡±


    The moist tongue almost reached the ear and then returned to its original place. Ezekiel held both shoulders of his wife, who was shaking with fear while giving him a poisonous look. And he said softly, bending his golden eyes.


    ¡°¡­¡­your little boy is no exception.¡±


    He meant it. Ezekiel, who said so, and Herace, who heard it, understood the sincerity in the words.


    Herace remembered William¡¯s body in the room. If Erzen were to be like that, she would certainly not be able to bear it. Eventually, thinking the end of the sword directed at the child, Herace clung to his neck and pleaded like a victim.


    ¡°Please, don¡¯t do that. Please don¡¯t¡­ don¡¯t, okay?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m, I¡¯m sorry. I was just speaking nonsense. I¡¯m just¡­ hah, I¡¯m embarrassed right now.¡­.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to offend you! So don¡¯t do that to Erzen. Eh, Erzen is¡­¡­ Ugh.¡±


    His wife, who came back to her senses, hugged him just like before. Ezekiel, who was satisfied seeing her obedience, held his wife¡¯s soft body in his arms and smelled the body he had missed. He felt rewarded for all the days when he hugged a piece of cloth on the bed and acted pathetic.


    ¡°I¡¯m glad you¡¯re still smart.¡±


    The tyrant, who became merciful to the fullest, breathed a pleasant sigh and hugged his wife preciously. Herace leaned her head gently against his chest. However, unlike her obedient posture, her expression was somewhat empty and her eyes were blankly directed toward the air. Tears formed on her eyes and rolled down across her cheek again as she fell weakly on Ezekiel¡¯s arm.


    Ezekiel, who looked at her wife¡¯s face for a while, bowed his head and kissed her white forehead. Yeah, it¡¯s fine as it is. If only my wife would be by my side. It was enough to live this life with her and be buried in a grave together. He said to himself as he moved his steps.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go. Time to go home, Herace.¡±


    *****


    ¡°Mom¡­¡±


    ¡°Erzen, what happened? Do you still have a headache?¡±


    Erzen shook his head, but Herace put her hand on the child¡¯s forehead in case.


    The child¡¯s forehead was normal and his temperature was also lukewarm, but Herace carefully examined Erzen¡¯s face here and there. He was a child who had been through several rough things in a short period of time. At this time of year, one of the most dangerous things for the child was having a fever, so Herace was nervous all along that her son would suddenly fall sick even though he was fine.


    ¡°Can¡¯t Mom stay with Erzen? Why can¡¯t Mom stay with Erzen?¡±


    The child mumbled and whined, burying his face deep in Herace¡¯s arms. There was a clear sign that he didn¡¯t want to be separated from his mother in his complaining voice. Herace held back the tears in her eyes and stroked her son¡¯s head.


    ¡°¡­¡­It¡¯s because your Mom has to work. You¡¯ve seen it before, right? When I¡¯m working, I can¡¯t see Erzen because I¡¯m busy.¡±


    She could spend only three hours a day with his son. Moreover, even that was barely obtained in exchange for the freedom of both legs. Underneath the dress, Herace¡¯s ankles, though invisible, were shackled together. She was careful so that Erzen wouldn¡¯t notice this by the clashing sound of the shackles.


    It was none other than Herace herself who was shackled her. Of course, there was someone else who made her make that choice. Herace sighed sadly as she thought of the man who would be riding a horse in front of the carriage going to the North.

 CH 44

    After they came out of the mansion where William had locked her up, Ezekiel put Herace in a fairly comfortable carriage. Worried about her son, Herace asked about Erzen hundreds of times, wanting to know if he was okay riding a wagon. But each time Ezekiel only lifted his brows and didn¡¯t change his expression, even when she begged to see her son.


    Eventually, Herace opened the running carriage door and made a fuss, saying she would only be with Erzen. At the risk of Herace¡¯s life, Ezekael threw a shackle at her that she didn¡¯t know where he got it from, and said in a cool voice.


    ¡°If you wear this on your own, you¡¯ll be able to see your child three hours a day.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not an animal. This is¡­¡±


    ¡°You have to choose. Do you want to see the kid or do you want to go the way it is? Don¡¯t make another fuss. Do it one more time and I won¡¯t let your son be treated by a doctor.¡±


    He was a man who had Erzen in his grasp. So all Herace could do was nod. Herace felt the touch of cold metal around her ankles and blamed herself for not even being able to protect her child.


    ¡°No! I hate it, Mom! You¡¯re always busy. You said you¡¯d play with Erzen as much as I want after work this winter. You always lie to me. Hmph.¡±


    Erzen, who did not know her mother¡¯s feelings, burst into tears and struggled violently. Herace was embarrassed by the violent gesture of the child she had never seen before, and hugged the child in a hurry.


    ¡°Erzen? Erzen, don¡¯t cry. It¡¯s my fault. Don¡¯t cry. Huh?¡±


    ¡°Mom, I hate you! I hate you!¡±


    From Erzen¡¯s point of view, this was natural. The child¡¯s weak patience had long run out of many factors. The young and tender body was tense throughout due to various bumpy and unfamiliar carriage life, and his weak psychology was full of anxiety due to the sudden leaving of the familiar place and being separated from his mother.


    Even at his mother¡¯s desperate words, the child struggled with his arms and legs wildly and cried loudly before falling asleep.


    ¡°Erzen, don¡¯t cry. Stop. I¡¯m sorry. So don¡¯t cry. Please¡­¡±


    The end of Herace¡¯s words continued hazily. She coaxed Erzen while weeping the tears around her eyes.


    ¡°Mom¡­¡­uhmm.¡±


    Erzen stopped crying after a long time. He seemed to have lost a lot of strength, and soon fell asleep. Dropping the tears that Herace had been enduring, she sobbed silently. In the meantime, the child did not let go of Herace¡¯s collar as if he did not want to be separated. It¡¯s so heartbreaking to hear his voice calling for his mother in his sleep. Herace hit herself on the chest again and again in a breathtaking pain.


    How much time passed with Erzen in her arms? The sun began to set out of the carriage window. There was still a little time left before the sun was completely set, but Herace hugged her son tightly and kissed him on the soft cheek several times. She knew it just by looking at the direction of the shadow. It was soon time to part ways with Erzen.


    Sure enough, the horses slowed their steps with the sound of a snort. The carriage seemed to slow down gradually, and soon stopped.


    ¡°We will take a break here!¡±


    A familiar sound of footsteps was heard behind the shouts of the knights calling for rest, and it was cut off in front of the carriage door. When Herace saw the wagon door handle turning, she bowed her head and hugged Erzen tightly as if she didn¡¯t want him to be taken away.


    Creak.


    When the carriage door opened, Ezekiel appeared. He stretched his hand forward as he looked at the sleeping child with cold eyes in Herace¡¯s arms. Herace hesitated and hugged Erzen even harder, but soon relaxed and handed over her son to Ezekiel.


    Ezekiel held the child much easier than Herace. However, he took care of the child clumsily, and did not seem to have any consideration for his well-being. He, who handled the child like a potato bag, turned around and handed Erzen over to Anna. Anna hugged Erzen and mouthed something to Herace.


    Don¡¯t worry.


    It was the day after Herace was led into the carriage by Ezekiel that Anna was captured. She asked Ezekiel to let Anna go, but all she could get in return was another threat.


    ¡°If you¡¯re talking about the girl who ran away with you, then shut up. Even so, I¡¯m saving your child¡¯s life. Do you want me to cut her throat right now?¡±


    Herace, who was trapped in a carriage, could only see Anna for the time Erzen came and went. Herace smiled slightly at Anna. However, Anna, hidden by the man¡¯s large body, seemed to disappear in an instant, and Ezekiel entered the carriage.


    Gulp.


    Herace swallowed her dry saliva at the sound of the carriage door closing tightly. The hardest part of the day was about to begin.


    Ezekiel was with her from the time of Herace¡¯s parting with Erzen until morning. She was suffering from insomnia the whole time because he didn¡¯t leave Herace¡¯s side even at bedtime. But what can I say? All she could do was stay still with her mouth closed.


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    Being together didn¡¯t mean that Ezekiel asked for something. All he did was look at Herace gently or close his eyes. Of course, neither did Herace say something.


    Although it was in the same silence, the attitudes of the two were clearly different. Unlike Ezekiel, who was leaning on his seat comfortably, Herace was very nervous under intense pressure from the suffocating atmosphere.


    In particular, when Ezekiel stared at her clearly, Herace felt like her lungs were blocked and her breathing stopped. So when she was with Ezekiel, she always had her head bowed or turned away. Thanks to this, Herace couldn¡¯t even groan because her neck hurt.


    It was the same today. Ezekiel, sitting opposite Herace, took off the cloak he was wearing on the outside, put it down next to him, and looked at Herace without saying a word with his arms crossed. He, who seemed insensitive, but persistent, looked as if he was angry. Herace dropped her gaze and put her hand together without being able to face the eyes. She didn¡¯t eat much, but she felt nauseous.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±


    So the few hours and the same minutes went by. After a short break, it was time for the carriage to move according to the knight¡¯s cry. Ezekiel, who had not said anything, buried himself deeply in the soft wagon wall, put one leg on top of the other, suddenly laughed out loud and said.


    ¡°¡­¡­someone will think I¡¯m intimidating you.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°You haven¡¯t talked to me for a week. How long do I have to wait? Do you have any intention of asking me for forgiveness?¡±


    Herace raised her head at the unexpected remark. Forgiveness? What did I do wrong? Even though fear and reason prevailed and occupied her head, resentment and anger boiled deep in the heart. Herace responded coldly to Ezekiel¡¯s words.


    ¡°¡­¡­I did nothing wrong.¡±


    As if the words were uncomfortable, Ezekiel¡¯s eyebrows crumpled and his silver-colored eyebrows went up. Ezekiel straightened his back and leaned his upper body forward.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t do anything wrong? Do you really think so? How many years do you think you have been outside of the castle?


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Herace, do you know how much manpower and resources have been wasted because of you? Besides, I don¡¯t have any self-¡­ You deserve to be condemned at any moment.¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you punish me right now, thinking like that? Just slap me like you did back then. I¡¯ll accept it without a word.¡±


    Ezekiel felt joy instead of anger when her blue eyes stared at him as if she were stabbing him. When his wife¡¯s eyes turned to him, he felt his fingertips tingling and finally confirmed him to be alive.


    He let out a languid breath and burst into a calm laugh. However, the furious Herace burst out in emotion she had been suppressing for more than a week without even paying attention to Ezekiel¡¯s laughter.


    ¡°I¡¯m saying this because I¡¯m confused¡­¡­ I don¡¯t understand. You don¡¯t like me. You don¡¯t consider Erzen your bloodline. Then why can¡¯t you just leave us alone¡­¡­ Why are you asking me to come? As you say, why are you wasting your manpower and money looking for me!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­I would have said it over and over again. Is your brain not working that much? You are mine. Something that is mine should always be next to me.¡±


    Herace heard it over and over again, but it was an unpleasant answer as well as incomprehensible.


    Herace felt suffocated and tried to raise her voice, but she held back and took a breath. She recited her son¡¯s name in her mind and came down from her chair before kneeling in front of Ezekiel. She felt dizzy because she could feel the rattling floor of the wagon, but she wouldn¡¯t have a chance to pluck up courage if it wasn¡¯t now.


    ¡°¡­¡­Then what are you going to do with me and Erzen? What are you trying to do?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Let us go even now. I¡¯m asking you, please.¡±


    Ezekiel somehow thought his hands were empty. His former wife clung to his hand or collar whenever she pleaded before him. But how is she now? His wife would rather hold her hands together, rather than grabbing his hand. And was that it? His wife didn¡¯t call his name even once after she was reunited with him.


    That¡¯s the name of the child. He heard her call that again and again and again. He was sure he got her back, but why does it feel like she was getting further away?


    As Ezekiel¡¯s patience began to turn thin rapidly, a strange madness crept out of him.


    ¡°It¡¯s not up to you to decide. It¡¯s up to me to decide what to do with you or your son. So don¡¯t be presumptuous.¡±


    ¡°Your son¡­.¡±


    In the cold answer, Herace crumpled up her face and hung down her head at the certain words as if it were hard to bear. Soon she looked at Ezekiel with a grim look on her face as if she had made up her mind.


    ¡°Erzen is definitely my child. But your blood is also inherited. Why do you keep denying it?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°I wanted to ask you again and again before I left. Why did you suspect me? You¡¯re the one who cheated. Why did you keep making me the cheating and unclean spouse?¡±


    The blue eyes shone as if they were going to make a decision over the fear. Rather, it was Ezekiel whose eyes shook. When he thought of the day, he paused and clenched his fist hard. His hands trembled automatically with the memory of that unfortunate night.

 CH 45

    ¡°¡­¡­what a nerve.¡±


    Ezekiel¡¯s face became grim. He reached out his hand and held his wife¡¯s jaw, who was kneeling in front of him, and said each syllable with strength.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you ask me earlier why I didn¡¯t punish you? Don¡¯t be brave because you¡¯re not with your son¡¯s father. Staying in a temple with only the ladies raised my mercy to the fullest. But I can¡¯t forgive you like this. Don¡¯t be mistaken. I¡¯m just holding it in until I get to the castle. Do you understand?¡±


    ¡°Ugh¡­¡­oh, it hurts!¡±


    ¡°Herace, my pretty wife. You seem to think I¡¯m still a clueless idiot, but I know. Who your son¡¯s father is.¡±


    While struggling with pain, Herace raised her eyes. If she could speak, she would at least question what it means, but she was even unable to do so because of Ezekiel, who had a strong grip on her jaw. She tried to pry Ezekiel¡¯s hand off by scratching his hand with her nails.


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s¡­¡­ Ugh!¡±


    Ezekiel was like a wounded beast. He picked up Herace roughly and pushed her down on the carriage¡¯s seat. Herace tried to wake up reflexively, but Ezekiel was faster. With the clatter of the shackles, he uttered the name of the person whom his wife committed adultery with, shivering with madness. His voice contained an unquestionable desire of murder at the name.


    ¡°¡­¡­Charles. Your ex-fiance, my brother, whose name you sang even in your dreams, as if you missed him. You¡¯ve been in and out of the castle many times to see him.¡±


    Herace opened her eyes wide at the name she didn¡¯t expect to pop out of nowhere. What do you mean, Charles?¡­. But one moment came to her mind.


    ¡®No way¡­¡¯


    She once met Charles without telling Ezekiel. Her ex-fiance came to her saying it was the last time. Their relationship was like a kite that was cut off due to bad wind, so she shouldn¡¯t have met him.


    However, Charles and she were not only involved in a political marriage. They were childhood friends and had been together for more than 10 years. Herace could not refuse to meet her childhood friend, who said he would move to another country after losing everything due to his mother¡¯s crime and being kicked out of the Empire.


    But that didn¡¯t mean that she cheated on Ezekiel. Herace could swear to heaven.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Herace. I¡¯m so sorry.¡­ I can¡¯t stand it without telling you. This will be our last meeting.¡±


    ¡°Charles¡­¡±


    ¡°Herace, I love you so much. I¡¯ve always loved you.¡±


    ¡°Charles, I¡­¡­ I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m so sorry for you, but I can¡¯t accept your heart. I¡¯m¡­¡±


    The meeting was like saying goodbye. Both Herace and Charles were aware of it. Herace cried sadly, but she firmly rejected Charles, and Charles also said nothing at her refusal. He must have known. That Herace would refuse his confession.


    ¡°¡­¡­Ezekiel, I love my husband.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m telling you now, Charles, you must know that. I¡¯ve actually been¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Stop.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­I know what you mean. So stop it, Herace.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m, I¡¯m sorry. Charles, I¡¯m sorry¡­¡­.¡±


    He was leaving anyway. She should have refused because she was the one who refused him. However, while choosing to hurt Charles again, Herace brought up the uncomfortable past. She was so confident in her love. She loved the man in front of her.


    ¡°Since it was Charles¡¯ blood, your son deserves to use Serpence¡¯s surname. But I don¡¯t intend to be the father of a child who doesn¡¯t connect to my blood. So don¡¯t try to treat me like a jerk any more. It¡¯s more unpleasant to be treated as a fool who doesn¡¯t know anything than the fact that he was deceived.¡±


    But what¡¯s wrong with this person? What kind of misunderstanding was he talking about? The pain that stung enough that she forgot stabbed her heart. Herace looked up at the man with wet eyes.


    ¡®He¡¯s doing this because he doesn¡¯t believe me¡­¡­ Right?¡¯


    Herace was surprised to realize that the biggest emotion she felt was betrayal. For more than three years, she thought she had erased all of Ezekiel, but when she knew the reality of the misunderstanding he made, the sadness that she did not know dominated her body.


    At the same time, however, Herace felt something flowing near her heart like spring water rising from between rocks.


    ¡®It will be okay if I can explain everything. If I just tell him what happened then¡­¡­.¡¯


    Since it became clear that it was a misunderstanding, it was easy enough to solve it. Well, if she explains it well, well, he¡¯ll¡­¡­. Herace calmed down her emotional feelings and clenched the seeds of hope that swayed gently in the breeze.


    ¡°No, listen to me, Ezekiel. You¡¯re misunderstanding something. Charles and I¡­ Argh!¡±


    After the reunion, for the first time, Herace spoke of Ezekiel¡¯s name. However, as soon as ¡®Charles¡¯ came out of her mouth, Ezekiel made a ghostly, creepy expression and covered Herace¡¯s mouth with his big hand.


    ¡°Shut up.¡±


    ¡°Ummf!¡±


    ¡°Please shut up, Herace. Don¡¯t call that name in front of me. Don¡¯t say the name with your mouth or your voice.¡±


    It was a reaction close to a seizure. He covered her mouth and buried his face in the crook of her neck. With the sound of rough breathing, Herace felt sharp teeth touching the scruff of the white neck, and the mouth reaching her ear.


    ¡°¡­¡­all you have to say is my name.¡±


    *****


    ¡°What¡¯s all this!¡±


    A servant carrying a table stopped in surprise at the woman¡¯s sharp shout. As he turned his head in the direction of hearing the sound, he saw a blonde woman grinding her teeth while pointing with her hand. The servant, who recognized the opponent, hurriedly put down the table and bowed his head.


    ¡°I¡¯m asking you what you¡¯re doing!¡±


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s¡­¡±


    The servant mumbled at Charlotte¡¯s urging. Then the maid behind Charlotte jumped out and gave a shout.


    ¡°Your Madam is asking. Can¡¯t you answer quickly?¡±


    ¡®What do you mean, Madam¡­¡­ Lily, you good for nothing. A filthy snitch.¡¯


    A servant with the head bowed deeply rubbed his palm servilely, swearing at Charlotte and the maid. Apart from feeling hateful, Charlotte was someone they feared.


    ¡°I¡¯m moving things to the annex over there, Madam.¡±


    Charlotte¡¯s rose eyebrows sank the moment when the servant said ¡®Madam¡¯. She asked again, sweeping the white fox scarf around her neck.


    ¡°The annex at the corner? Why would you take this there?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know why. The only thing I can say is that it¡¯s the order of the Lord¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    Charlotte¡¯s voice rose again when the word ¡°Lord¡¯s command¡± came out. She took her scarf she was wearing down and raised her hand to her mouth to chew her nails.


    ¡®Come to think of it, there¡¯s a rumor going around that he had found the woman¡­¡­. Is that true? She¡¯s coming back here, and she¡¯s gonna throw me out to that corner of the castle, not even letting me live in the mansion?¡¯


    The anxiety that had been barely suppressed rose in an instant.


    Charlotte, who stirred the castle at will while being called the Madam, only authority she was given was some gold and the false courtesy of her subordinates. More than a few years after Herace¡¯s departure, Charlotte did not have any real authority, as well as any penny of Serpence Castle.


    ¡°Do you know who my son is? Do you know who Miguel¡¯s mother is? It¡¯s me! I¡¯m the mother of the next Duke! But what? Not letting me in? Do you want to die right now?¡±


    ¡°Go back. You¡¯re not allowed in here.¡±


    No matter how much Charlotte made a disturbance and shouted at them, the men Ezekiel left at the castle remained motionless. Several times she tried to conciliate them with overflowing gold, but they did not change their expressionless faces, only saying that they would tell Ezekiel and that¡¯s what stopped Charlotte. Thanks to this, Charlotte could not know that Ezekiel was returning to the castle until about the same time as the servants.


    ¡°Well, then I¡¯ll be on my way.¡±


    Sensing danger from the trembling Charlotte, the servant quickly ran away with the table. The maid next to Charlotte also took a few steps back when she realized that the expression of the ¡®Madam¡¯ was getting serious.


    ¡°¡­¡­No, I don¡¯t think so. There¡¯s no way the woman who hasn¡¯t shown her nose for three years will come back. The annex is¡­ he¡¯s decorating it because he has guests coming with him. So I don¡¯t have to worry. Oh, my God! How can he think of leaving me in a separate house now! I¡¯m the mother of the heir!¡±


    The tips of the well-trimmed fingernails were crushed and distorted with a small tremor. Miguel, who looked at his mother¡¯s nails carefully, smiled and raised his hand and held Charlotte¡¯s hand. Charlotte looked at her son at the light movement.


    ¡°Mother, you¡¯re wrong about that.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    Miguel¡¯s words were small enough to be heard only by Charlotte. He whispered in a small voice as if the child was telling a secret and pointed his finger to the East.


    ¡°The Duchess is coming back. With Father.¡±


    *****


    It took about a month from the temple where Herace stayed to Serpence Castle even after the familiar knights rode horses at full speed. However, the severe winter weather delayed the return to Serpence Castle.


    The knights were excited about their return after a few months and the scent of spring, but Herace lifted the curtain covering the carriage window and looked outside before lowering her hand helplessly.


    ¡®¡­¡­I came back after all.¡¯


    Herace sighed as the castle began to appear in the view. To others, this scene seemed to be welcoming, but for Herace, that huge castle was like looking at a prison.


    ¡°Ah¡­¡­¡±


    Herace, who was looking at the wall out of the window, wrapped herself with the blanket and groaned. Her neck was littered with various red marks. Herace pulled back her collar and pulled up her clothes as much as possible to hide the marks on her neck. She remembered the shameful night.


    ¡®I can¡¯t stay like this.¡¯


    She had to think about anything she could do for Erzen, but her mind became lethargic like a body that was getting weaker day by day.


    ¡®He doesn¡¯t even give me a chance to talk¡­¡­ What the hell am I supposed to do?¡¯


    She was at a loss whenever she thought of Ezekiel.


    Herace had told him countless times in the last two months, ¡°You¡¯re misunderstanding¡±. But every time she spoke of the subject, Ezekiel only spilled poison or quietly revealed a murderous look.


    ¡®Isn¡¯t it embarrassing to tell a lie every time?¡¯


    In addition, he acted like a super jealous man when Charles¡¯ name was mentioned in the mouth of Herace. Every time he covered her mouth with a big hand, Herace was terrified and couldn¡¯t do anything. Then she had to bite her lips under his torture. And every time that happened again and again, Herace felt like something was breaking in her heart.

 CH 46

    As she gasped because she felt her throat was stuffy, the carriage slowed down slowly. Herace, who was staying still, hesitated, grabbed her trembling hand and looked out of the carriage again. A few metres ahead, she could see servants lining up under the stairs on the exterior of the building that she was familiar with.


    ¡®¡­¡­you are still here.¡¯


    Herace took her eyes off the blonde woman standing in front of the servants. Even after a few years, when she saw the beautiful woman, her heart stung. However, it was not as hard or painful as it was when she first saw the woman. She was just wondering why she was there.


    Herace, who had been absent-minded, suddenly smiled. It was because a few years ago came to her mind. At that time, it was that woman who was in the carriage, and she was standing there, but now the situation was the opposite.


    ¡®It was natural to see her standing there. It is natural since she has lived in this castle longer than I have.¡¯


    Charlotte, who was standing in front of the servants, was the proud hostess of the castle. Herace, who let go of her empty smile, touched the floor with her feet. She refused to look at her(Charlotte) not because she didn¡¯t like her, but because she couldn¡¯t hide her empty feeling.


    As soon as she moved her feet with shackles on, her ankles began to sting under its weight. Herace stopped moving at once. The carriage door opened with a rattling sound, and the tyrant-like man appeared.


    Ezekiel ordered Herace, who was sitting still, in a much colder voice.


    ¡°Get off.¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­¡­¡±


    She got it, but she couldn¡¯t even nod. Herace got out of the carriage as if she were being dragged out by Ezekiel¡¯s firm grasp.


    The clatter of shackles was loud. Herace blushed as if she had become a sinner and looked down at her legs, which were not free.


    Ezekiel also seemed to have heard the sound of the chain. He looked at Herace with a frown, twisted his mouth, and began to move.


    ¡°Please, walk a little slower.¡±


    Shame smeared with each step. Herace begged Ezekiel to remove the servants surrounding them, but he ignored her request by rushing his steps. Herace barely held back her tears and walked as if she was a sinner dragged by Ezekiel.


    It was after Charlotte¡¯s face became clear that Ezekiel stopped walking. Charlotte glared alternately at Ezekiel and Herace with a fierce look. She didn¡¯t say anything, but one could tell how angry she was just by looking at her eyes. Herace avoided looking at Charlotte¡¯s rusty eyes, distorted by hatred.


    ¡°Father!¡±


    Then, a child¡¯s bright voice broke the horribly cold atmosphere. As soon as everyone¡¯s eyes reached the child next to Charlotte, a small body jumped up and dug into Ezekiel¡¯s arms.


    ¡°Congratulations on your return. I¡¯ve been waiting for you for a long time.¡±


    Miguel was more mature than his peers while keeping a child¡¯s characteristic innocence. Herace unknowingly bit her lips down at the child, who looked a little taller than Erzen.


    She couldn¡¯t believe that the child who looked just like Ezekiel was the same age as Erzen and was his half-brother. The child, not only his height, but also his fair cheeks, fine hair, and clear eyes, he was ahead in everything of his younger brother.


    Besides, the child¡¯s clothes were noteworthy too. Unlike Erzen¡¯s clothes, which were clean but clearly worn here and there, Miguel was wearing nice, ironed clothes. It wasn¡¯t obvious in the mountain village, but when Herace looked at it, it came to her how bad their situation was. Erzen couldn¡¯t eat and wear properly there. Thinking like this, Herace¡¯s heart sank.


    ¡°It¡¯s still cold, but you¡¯re all coming out to meet me. I¡¯m proud of you, Miguel.¡±


    Ezekiel, who looked at Herace with a sidelong glance, smiled unlike him and patted the child¡¯s head in his arms. The gentle language was full of consideration for the child. Herace looked up as the child smiling happily and nodding to his father.


    Ezekiel, who noticed her stare, twisted the tip of his lips as if he were satisfied when something glistened in her blue eyes glancing at him. He grabbed his wife¡¯s arm randomly and dragged it in front of Charlotte and Miguel.


    ¡°Greet her.¡±


    Charlotte¡¯s eyes became more fierce at the plain words. It was so obvious that she was shaking with her fists clenched, but instead of her who should be feeling shame, the embarrassed servants lowered their backs deeper. Anyway, it was the order of Ezekiel, the owner of the castle. Charlotte flinched over Ezekiel¡¯s cool face, and bowed her head reluctantly.


    ¡°It¡¯s been a while since I saw you¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Who told you to greet her?¡±


    It was before Charlotte¡¯s head went down completely, Ezekiel reached out and blocked Charlotte. He pushed Herace in the back and said a more poisonous word than before.


    ¡°¡­¡­there was a sequence of similar situations.¡±


    She couldn¡¯t understand it at all. Not only Herace and Charlotte, but also nearby servants had puzzled eyes for a moment. However, Charlotte and other quick-witted people soon understood Ezekiel¡¯s intentions.


    Several of the servants looked almost shocked and at the same time, Charlotte looked at Ezekiel with a look of wonder while raising the corners of her mouth. She asked in an excited voice when she made eye contact with him.


    ¡°What do you mean, Ezekiel?¡±


    It was a question, but a voice that was already certain of the answer. Charlotte¡¯s grin glistening with malice was directed at Herace, who felt the finger of the man poking her back like an arrow stabbing her.


    After confirming that her blue eyes began to tremble, Ezekiel drew a line by climbing up Herace¡¯s vertebrae with his long fingers. With a creepy sensation, the tip of his finger soon touched her neck.


    ¡°I mean, we have to set the order properly. If I don¡¯t set the rules of who will be at the top and bottom, the house will be ruined.¡±


    He randomly grabbed Harace¡¯s neck, which was clearly revealed. It was a shallow travesty that the noble Duchess would never do.


    Herace slowly raised her head to look at Ezekiel at the insult she suffered in front of many people. Her blue eyes spoke silently with eagerness.


    ¡®Don¡¯t do this.¡¯


    The invisible wound was as clear as the burn she had just received, but Ezekiel wanted to engrave it more clearly, like an imprint, rather than erase it. Ezekiel opened his mouth to Charlotte without stopping teasing her.


    ¡°Charlotte, you are the first to become a mistress and you are the one who gave me my first child. So it¡¯s no wonder you will be the hostess of the house. Of course, she has been the Duchess before, but¡­¡­.¡±


    Ezekiel paused for a moment. His eyes had a frighteningly cruel look. He went on again, looking up and down at Herace.


    ¡°¡­¡­She kicked it away, so I¡¯m taking it away, but that¡¯s not my fault.¡±


    No one could not understand such blatant words Ezekiel was speaking. Herace is no longer a Duchess. She¡¯s just like Charlotte, or a mistress below her.


    It was a punishment that no one expected. Ezekiel caught his wife who ran away from him after three years, giving her unimaginable insults and shame.


    Her lips turned blue like her eyes in indescribable misery. It was difficult to see her reeling dangerously as if she would collapse if she was touched even a little. However, the man who brought his wife down by the cruel announcement only ordered without hesitation.


    ¡°What are you doing, Herace? Greet your Madam.¡±


    Herace did not reply. No, she couldn¡¯t.


    She was out of breath and her head hurt as if it were splitting right away. As if someone had scattered it in front of her, everything seemed bent and shook as if it would melt down at any moment. Herace put her hand up and put her finger on her forehead.


    ¡°What are you doing¡­No, what are you trying to do? Can¡¯t you hear the Duke? It¡¯s been a while since we¡¯ve seen each other. So you have to greet me.¡±


    Charlotte crossed her arms with a triumphant face and said in a carancan voice. Her words, however, did not reach Herace¡¯s ears. The only sound that lingered in her ears was a high, terrible tinnitus.


    Her senses slowed down by a beat. Herace even noticed the fact that her body was losing balance and tumbling down after seeing other people¡¯s expressions.


    ¡®Oh¡­¡¯


    A firm hand grabbed Herace and immediately hugged her. She fought persistently even though the grip of her entire body was blurred.


    Herace closed her eyes slowly to let go of her mushy mind. But just before the vision was completely closed, a strange light glistened at her.


    When she blinked her eyes that were about to close, she could see the beautiful golden eyes bent into a half-moon shape as if she was being sucked in. A red tongue crept out between the small, thick lips.


    The coiled snake whispered to her in a seductive voice.


    [Do you need my help?]


    *****


    Herace was lying in a separate room in the corner of Serpence Castle. With her eyes closed tightly, her pale face looked like a corpse.


    The detached building, which was renovated, was located in the innermost part of the detached building where the least number of servants were allowed to enter, especially the inner room where Herace is currently lying. Therefore, only three people, including Herace, were silent in the room now.


    ¡°It¡¯s decorated nicely. But it still looks like a pretty cage.¡±


    Miguel walked around the room as if he was used to it. He approached the window that occupied half of one wall.


    Usually, transparent windows were normal when seen outside the building, but beyond the window, there was a pretty indoor glass greenhouse with various plants growing, and beyond that, there was a high fence and an outdoor garden. Decorated in several pieces with green vines, the wall was quite beautiful, but higher than the height of two adult men gave an intimidating pressure first.


    Miguel stared over the window at the fountain in the middle of the glass greenhouse and stared at the statue of the woman at the top of the fountain. The statue of a woman with her winding hair down to her toes was flowing transparent water down with the bucket at an angle.


    Miguel, who was reaching out as if trying to catch the water pouring out of the statue, turned around with a laugh when he saw Ezekiel reflected on the window. He was carefully kissing the fallen Herace on the forehead.


    ¡°That was a fake announcement¡­¡­ wasn¡¯t it too much? I¡¯m afraid that she might abandon the status of being your wife.¡±


    Ezekiel gave strange orders to the people of the castle. Taking the Duchess¡¯ authority from Herace, he gave it to Charlotte. But, he also told her(Charlotte) not to use the Duchess¡¯ title until she was ordered.


    At the same time, he did another thing. Herace had been deprived of her authority and title, but she is still the only Duchess of the Serpence Castle. He will cut the heads of whoever neglects to serve the Duchess.


    ¡°Because of one crazy owner, people in the whole castle are going to act like they¡¯re not even close to each other. What the hell is being a Duchess but not being called or treated as a Duchess? If that¡¯s not what you want, give a real announcement. Don¡¯t confuse others.¡±


    Ezekiel did not respond much to the sarcastic remarks. After he took his mouth off Herace¡¯s forehead, he said as if it were natural.


    ¡°Herace is my wife, and we are a legitimate couple who swore before God. Now that I¡¯m the Duke of Serpence, naturally she¡¯s the Duchess of Serpence till down her grave.¡±

 CH 47

    Miguel raised his finger and came to the bed in a circle next to Herace¡¯s head. When the small child saw Herace lying on the bed, he swept her hand out of the blanket and kicked his tongue like an old man.


    ¡°Then you should treat her like a proper Duchess. Can¡¯t you see how shocked she was by what you said? Poor thing¡­ ¡­the fairy of Devone of those days would have never imagined that she would go through this in the future. How could she be a mistress in her life? Tsk!¡±


    Ezekiel¡¯s expression, who had been silent, cooled when the small hand touched the skin of Herace. Without a moment¡¯s hesitation, he mumbled, slapping Miguel¡¯s hand off of Herace.


    ¡°¡­she should be punished. I have to make her realise what it¡¯s like to kick her position away.¡±


    Ezekiel wanted Herace to know clearly at this point. What happens when he becomes cold to her. She¡¯s a smart wife, so he was sure she would realise it soon. That if she ever left his side, his mercy would disappear completely.


    Miguel shook his head when he saw the same golden eyes as him shining brutally. He looked at Herace with pitiful eyes said in a confident voice to Ezekiel.


    ¡°I sincerely advise you, Ezekiel, don¡¯t try to hurt the woman you love.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Your wife is neither a terrifying enemy captain on the battlefield nor a political rival who persistently bothers you. Even if you force her to break, you will be the only one who will eventually hit the ground and regret it, so why bother?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Smart men know from experience. What you¡¯re doing now is the stupidest thing in the world.¡±


    ¡°Advice¡­¡­ You talk like a human being who is not even a human being. People may think you¡¯ve been through that.¡±


    Ezekiel, who had been listening silently, replied as if he was funny. Then Miguel¡¯s face, which had not lost its smile from the day he was born, disappeared for a moment.


    ¡°¡­¡­I know. I¡¯ve been with humans too long. Or maybe it¡¯s because I was born eating your blood and cutting off the belly of a human woman? I do smell like a human being. Is it natural that this body is shaped like a human being?¡±


    Miguel lowered his eyebrows and scratched the back of his hand with his fingernails. The fingernails were not very sharp because they were trimmed in a round shape, but the place that passed was cracked and blood flowed as if it had been cut deeply with a knife.


    But that¡¯s all. The red liquid, which had fallen to the floor without being able to stop, was sucked into the flesh again like a living creature, and the skin became clean like a smooth porcelain as if it had never happened.


    ¡°Lady Herace!, Lady¡­¡­ Let go of me! Argh!¡±


    It was when Ezekiel frowned at the sound that could not seem like a human being. The woman¡¯s high scream from outside deprived him of his concentration.


    It was a closed room and far away, so those with general hearing could not even know the existence of the scream. However, the man and the child also noticed that the word ¡°Lady¡± was sometimes mixed with the shrill scream as if they were being torn apart. Miguel, who recognized the owner of the voice, narrowed his eyes and sarcastically said.


    ¡°Oh, my God. The advice I gave you was the best of all. Are you still going to do more than now?¡±


    The voice of crying and looking for Herace was Anna¡¯s. Ezekiel unspokenly expressed his affirmation as he hardened his mouth.


    In Ezekiel¡¯s view, the woman named Anna was one of the biggest obstacles between Herace and himself. He should have cleaned her up before.


    Would his wife have escaped without her? No, she would have never dared. Herace was a woman of no knowledge of the world. Without a helper, she wouldn¡¯t have had the courage to run away.


    And not only that, it was also annoying to refer to his wife as a prenuptial title of a lady. Who is a lady? Herace was a married woman. The Duchess of Serpence. the wife of Ezekiel. His woman. She should be called that by everyone.


    Finally, he felt much lighter to think that he had cleared one of the big obstacles between him and Herace.


    However, Ezekiel¡¯s eyes rapidly darkened by a much larger obstacle that soon emerged. The child with the same sweet eyes resembling Herace came to mind.


    The cruel heart sprang up to strangle the child. Every time he saw his wife¡¯s son, Ezekiel was engulfed in uncontrollable madness. Especially on his body¡­¡­.


    ¡®¡­¡­I want to get rid of it.¡¯


    ¡°Tsk!¡±


    It was Miguel who brought Ezekiel out of his mind.


    When Anna¡¯s voice completely died down as he kicked his tongue, Miguel reached out to Herace once more. The child¡¯s little finger touched and fell slightly this time around Herace¡¯s eyes. Herace was crying in her sleep, seemingly dreaming something terrible.


    ¡°It would be harder if she left you. Oh, poor Duchess¡­¡­. My poor mother. Oh, my God.¡±


    Miguel¡¯s words filled Ezekiel¡¯s face with anger. What do you mean mother? Ezekiel¡¯s golden eyes, which were staring at Miguel¡¯s neck as if he was going to kill him at any moment, were like that of the Devil from hell. Miguel, however, smiled and looked at Ezekiel without blinking an eye.


    ¡°Why do you look at me like that? As long as I¡¯m your son, it¡¯s natural that your wife is my mother, right?¡±


    ¡°Shut up. If you say that one more time¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°What if it¡¯s a joke? Are you trying to get rid of me too? With the junk you¡¯ve been looking for? Is there anything that works like that on me?¡±


    Ezekiel¡¯s eyes grew in a moment. He squinted his eyes as if he were wary of Miguel. The fact that he (Miguel) knew that he (Ezekiel) had wandered around looking for a holy weapon to destroy him (Miguel) surprised him (Ezekiel). He didn¡¯t mean to hide it, but when he thought it was discovered, his body hardened with tension.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look like that. You didn¡¯t even think about hiding it anyway. A father trying to kill his son. It¡¯s so cruel. Humans usually call this a tragic life, right?¡±


    Ezekiel scanned his young son¡¯s face as if he were measuring something. Miguel was clearly enjoying the situation by saying it was a tragedy but grinning all the while.


    The sight of the enemy shrugging nonchalantly made him cool down. Ezekiel, who cooled his head, said slowly.


    ¡°Yes. I¡¯m going to put you back in hell.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s really scary.¡±


    ¡°So wait a little longer. I¡¯ll soon push you back into your original pit. Even if you try, you won¡¯t be able to climb up from that hell.¡±


    It was something he could never say to the son that followed his blood, but it wasn¡¯t a terrible thing to say to his lifelong enemy. However, Miguel looked fine, listening to his threat. The young three-year-old rather smiled and bowed deeply to his father as if he was sincerely looking forward to it.


    ¡°Do as you please, Father. This insolent son is looking forward to it.¡±


    ****


    Herace knelt on the floor and grabbed the man¡¯s pants who was looking down at her. As soon as she woke up, she cried out in pain. But even if it hurt, she had to hang on. Because she had to change the man¡¯s mind.


    ¡°I won¡¯t insist on having Anna next to me anymore. So stop the punishment and cure Anna. If she were beaten and kicked out like that, she will, she will¡­¡­ Hah¡­¡­ I promise I won¡¯t speak of her ever.¡±


    After waking up in the annex, the first thing Herace faced was Anna, who was groaning before she could see the unfamiliar environment. Anna¡¯s clean back was covered with blood, and the wound was seen through the torn clothes.


    Herace got out of bed screaming at Anna¡¯s disastrous appearance, but she couldn¡¯t put a finger on her beloved maid. It was because Ezekiel caught her and let someone drag Anna out of the room. He grabbed Herace, who was struggling to get to Anna, and whispered.


    ¡°Herace, do you know what will happen to your maid?¡±


    Ezekiel said he would not kill Anna because of her loyalty, but that didn¡¯t mean she would be forgiven for encouraging Herace to flee, and that she would be chased away without treatment immediately after hitting her 100 times with a whip. Herace cried and begged for forgiveness, saying, ¡®Don¡¯t¡¯. Then Ezekiel added these words to Herace, who cried pitifully.


    ¡°¡­¡­they said they are only halfway there. There¡¯s another 50s left.¡±


    Herace knew the moment she heard it. That Ezekiel had no intention of keeping Anna alive. She could tell just by looking at his eyes. That Anna¡¯s life was hanging on the end of the rope.


    She did the only thing she could because she couldn¡¯t let Anna die like this.


    ¡°It¡¯s not a big deal. You may feel angry for the child. It¡¯s my fault. Why¡­¡­ Why are you being so cruel to her?¡±


    With servility and humility, Herace bowed at the feet of Ezekiel as a slave would do to his master. She yielded to him and begged for mercy.


    ¡°I, I will never meet Anna again. Just let her live. Please¡­¡­ I beg you so. Please¡­¡±


    The spirit that had become a little stronger over the past three years had been shattered in just a few hours. Herace had become more of a dog than before.


    Ezekiel¡¯s eyes became friendly when he saw his wife who finally showed weakness. He thought he would just raise Herace up, who was crying and clinging on to him, but instead, he hugged her and took her to the soft bed and sat her down. Standing in front of her, he bent down and kissed her white forehead, put her hand on his lips, and opened his mouth.


    ¡°Herace, your voice is very nice.¡±


    Herace looked embarrassed at the answer that was far from what she hoped. Ezekiel pointed his finger at the cage in the indoor garden beyond the room. There was something blue sitting in a beautifully curved cage.


    ¡°It¡¯s comparable to that bird over there. But it¡¯s just a flying animal and can¡¯t make a human noise. So you have to call my name slowly instead of that bluebird. Every time you call me, I¡¯ll reduce the beating that your maidservant would get.¡±


    She was compared to a bird in a cage, but Herace was just grateful for the way to save Anna. She sniffed and breathed before calling for Ezekiel.


    ¡°¡­¡­Ezekiel.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t like it. It¡¯s hard to hear because it¡¯s mixed with tears. It won¡¯t do.¡±


    Somehow she thought it wouldn¡¯t be too easy to save Anna¡¯s life. Herace sensed that the process of achieving her goal would be rough with Ezekiel¡¯s stern eyes and the hand that grabbed her chin.


    ¡°Eze, Ezekiel.¡±


    ¡°Again. Don¡¯t stutter and do it properly.¡±


    As expected, he was too picky. Herace had to not cry, stutter, or avoid his eyes. In the end, it took 17 attempts to call his name properly for the first time.


    ***

 CH 48

    ¡°Ezekiel.¡±


    ¡°48.¡±


    ¡°Ezekiel.¡±


    ¡°49.¡±


    ¡°Ezekiel.¡±


    ¡°Shush¡­¡­ Good job.¡±


    ¡°Hmm¡­ Well, then¡­¡­ Anna¡­¡±


    It took three hours to call his name fifty times. Herace was sure she had actually called Ezekiel¡¯s name hundreds of times. Holding her stinging throat, she coughed and Ezekiel gave her a glass of water while saying,


    ¡°All right. A promise is a promise. I won¡¯t punish your maidservant and give her proper treatment. But the deportation order cannot be cancelled. Because the wrong loyalty can lead you in the wrong direction again. She¡¯ll have to leave the castle within a week.¡±


    Herace emptied the water at once. The moderate temperature of the water helped her sore throat, but the rough sensation continued to bother Herace.


    ¡°Ezekiel, thank, thank you. Thank you very much, Ezekiel.¡±


    Was it because she said his name hundreds of times? Herace habitually said Ezekiel¡¯s name even with a short thank-you. Ezekiel smiled in satisfaction and sat next to her as if he was in a good mood seeing Herace like that. Soon the firm man¡¯s arm wrapped around Herace¡¯s shoulder and back.


    ¡°According to the doctor, you¡¯ve become very weak. It¡¯s probably because you suffered a lot outside.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°You have to listen to the rules you need to follow and have proper meals. I told the chef to prepare a roasted blue pheasant and sweetfish dish for you.¡±


    Her meal menu were the same as what she ate before she was pregnant with Erzen a long time ago, but Herace could not relax.


    What rules do I have to follow¡­¡­. Only then did Herace rolled her eyes and looked around her. The room, decorated only with high-quality furniture and good objects, was beautiful but frustrating. It was a structure where she couldn¡¯t even look out properly. Besides, this place is¡­¡­. Anxiety struck Herace¡¯s face as she realized where she was located.


    ¡°It¡¯s simple. If you¡¯re not with me, you can¡¯t get out of here, Herace. That¡¯s the most important rule you have to abide by.¡±


    ¡°What, what? You mean you¡¯re gonna lock me up?¡±


    ¡°No, I am not locking you up. You can go out freely if you want. But I can¡¯t guarantee what I¡¯ll do if you break the rules.¡±


    Beyond the friendly language, the meaning of the words gave her goosebumps. She didn¡¯t know what¡¯s gonna happen. For the safety of the people around her, Herace would not be able to move on her own.


    Looking down at her feet tightly bound with a shackle, she suddenly remembered her son.


    ¡°Well, what about Erzen? Erzen is here with me, right? Right?¡±


    The hand holding Ezekiel¡¯s clothes was tense. She could never imagine herself being apart from Erzen but it was a conclusion that could be reached enough considering what happened to the mother and child duo after being caught by the man.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you give me an answer? Please give me my son¡­ ¡­ Erzen. He¡¯s still young and he has been away for a long time, so he¡¯ll soon search for me.¡±


    Ezekiel looked at the small hands that were turning white and put his hands on them. The temperature of Herace¡¯s hands, which were tense and frightened, were lower than his cool temperature. But Ezekiel, who felt no sympathy, said firmly.


    ¡°Herace, your son won¡¯t be with you. You¡¯re the only one staying here.¡±


    ¡°No way! Give me Erzen, Ezekiel. Oh, I want to be with my son. I want to see Erzen.¡±


    Herace began to gasp, breathing heavily. She curled her stiff body and shook her head roughly, sticking her upper body forward as if she would run from Ezekiel at any moment.


    Ezekiel gave strength to his overlapping hands over her. The strong grip of the man forced the hands holding his collar to fall.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear me before you fell down?¡± Herace, you¡¯re just my mistress now. We can¡¯t leave the precious blood of Prince Serpence to a lowly mistress. Or are you still deluding yourself that you¡¯re a Duchess? Huh?¡±


    Mistress. The word that pushed her into losing her consciousness came out of Ezekiel¡¯s mouth again, but Herace couldn¡¯t pay attention to it. Erzen. The fear of not seeing her son was pushing her to the edge of the cliff.


    ¡°No! Mistress or whatever! Just¡­ just give me Erzen back. You don¡¯t even consider him your blood anyway! Erzen is not Serpence¡¯s child. He¡¯s just my, my son! So you have no right to my son!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­I made it clear about that, too. I don¡¯t want to acknowledge him as my son, but I do recognize him as Serpence¡¯s bloodline. Your son is Charles¡¯ son, and in a way, he is my nephew. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll raise him precious enough. Your son will have several nannies and the best tutors.¡±


    An unresolved misunderstanding constantly tightened Herace¡¯s breath. Herace was about to shout ¡®no!¡¯ but quit. She had said it dozens of times in the past two months that it was a misunderstanding. She begged and pleaded, but in the end, he got angry. Once was enough to know his mind.


    Barely swallowing the injustice, Herace found another way.


    ¡°But you didn¡¯t do that to her*! Even if she was a mistress, she raised her child with her own hands!¡±


    [T/N: Herace meant Charlotte.]


    ¡°That¡¯s not the case now. Miguel was a baby then. It didn¡¯t matter if he grew up in the hands of my mistress because he was at an age where he couldn¡¯t distinguish anything. Don¡¯t be unfair. Miguel is also living in a different room without his mother now that he needs education.¡±


    ¡°Lie! She was with her son earlier! I¡¯ll be with Erzen, too! Call Ergen! Let me see my son!¡±


    Herace lost her reason and made an effort, but she did not say anything wrong.


    In Ezekiel¡¯s words, her situation was similar to being a mistress, but Charlotte was neither trapped like Herace nor held from meeting her son. However, what does it have to do with a woman who only has a human shell without any consciousness? For Ezekiel, it was only an excuse to say that she could not see her child because she was a mistress.


    He just didn¡¯t want to see Herace and Erzen together being affectionate, and at the same time he just wanted to punish her. While watching Herace looking for her son in tears, he forcibly pushed the absurd logic of his desire.


    ¡°You brought it on yourself. If you were still a Duchess¡­¡­ No, you are a mistress now. If you hadn¡¯t been punished for running away and being trapped here, you could have seen your son¡¯s face. But I told you earlier. You can¡¯t get out of here. Your son can¡¯t come here. You¡¯ll only be with me. Only with me.¡±


    Herace, who was staring at Ezekiel, distorted her face. The cry that had stopped for a while was mixed with a stubborn voice. She buried her face in Ezekiel¡¯s arms and shook her head.


    ¡°No, I can¡¯t. Give me back Erzen. All I need is my son. Ezekiel, please. Please. Please¡­¡­.¡±


    The firm chest of the man was wet. Ezekiel, who was watching her shoulders shaking up and down from crying, put his hand on Herace¡¯s back and closed his eyes for a while before opening them.


    ¡°¡­¡­If you really want to see your son like that, I¡¯ll have two ways.¡±


    Herace raised her head in a faint hope. Like saving Anna, Ezekiel seemed to have an ulterior motive to ask her for something and listen to her entreaties. Herace nodded quickly and looked at Ezekiel waiting for him to speak.


    ¡°One, you have to stay here as long as I say. Three years¡­¡­ after that period, there is no need to abide by the rules. Then you¡¯ll see your son. I¡¯d like to put you here for 10 years, but seeing you cry makes me feel weak.¡±


    The brightened face was shaded again. Three years¡­ How can I endure that period? He was a son who would go crazy even if he didn¡¯t see her for a day, or even a few hours. But three years. There was despair on Herace¡¯s face. And at that moment, Ezekiel gave a twisted smile.


    ¡°The other one is¡­¡­ If you do well, it may take less than a year.¡±


    The innocent woman wouldn¡¯t know. There¡¯s something else he really wants. Ezekiel whispered what he really wanted in Herace¡¯s ear.


    ¡°Have a legitimate child this time.¡±


    ¡°Wh, what¡­.¡±


    Her eyes turned round at the unexpected words. However, Ezekiel, who had been thinking about this for two months before he caught Herace, had calm eyes.


    ¡°I mean, give birth to my child, not another man. Here. In this place.¡±


    Ezekiel didn¡¯t mean to forgive Herace so easily. How dare you run away from me while committing adultery? He felt like he would lose his reason at any moment if he thought the things he thinks Herace did.


    But he was worried even as he pushed her to the limit. What if his wife, who kept getting angry like this, couldn¡¯t stand it?


    ¡°Gender doesn¡¯t matter. I¡¯ll let you out of here when our first child is born. That¡¯s not all. I¡¯ll also give you the Duchess¡¯s position back.¡±


    Ezekiel did not want his delicate glassy wife to be broken, nor did he want her to stay locked up forever. So he was about to bury everything after getting the price of a child from his wife.


    Considering the current state of mind, he wondered if it would be possible, but imagining Herace holding her real child and laughing, he thought it would be possible. He saw the tears running on Herace¡¯s face and held her tightly in his arms.


    ¡°It¡¯s up to you to decide which way to take, but I think the latter is a better way. Maybe if you have my child, your heart will weaken.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­If you¡¯re pregnant, I will let them bring your son here once a week. Then you don¡¯t even have to wait ten months. So, let¡¯s have a child. If you have a legitimate child, we¡¯ll be able to go back to just as we were before.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­I¡¯ll be here as long as you want me to be; three years.¡±


    Herace said something unexpected as she pushed herself out of the man¡¯s arms. Ezekiel¡¯s eyes, who had no doubt that his wife would choose the latter, grew. He squeezed his wife by the shoulder.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°If I had to choose between the two, I would choose the former.¡±


    Ezekiel found no sign of conflict in Herace¡¯s face. He frowned unknowingly and continued quickly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you want to see your son? I¡¯m telling you, I don¡¯t intend to show any more mercy. If you choose the former, you will have to endure nearly three years without seeing your son.¡±


    As if drawing three years in front of her eyes, Herace¡¯s blue eyes filled with tears again, and hopelessness showed on her pale face. But she was more determined than the wet face.


    ¡°Even so, I can¡¯t have a child with someone like you. It¡¯s impossible for Erzen or the child who will be born to be loved or accepted by you.¡±

 CH 49

    Ezekiel took a breath and clenched his teeth. The meaning of his wife¡¯s answer was clear.


    Herace was refusing him, saying she didn¡¯t want to have his child. Even though he offered a reward that she couldn¡¯t refuse; to see her child that she valued more than her life. But she gave it away at once.


    It was Herace who was crying sadly with a tearful face, but Ezekiel felt more sorry for his situation. He didn¡¯t expect to be rejected so quickly. He felt like he had the answer to the question that he had asked himself countless times over the past few years. His wife, who cared so much about her child, refused to have his child.


    Recognizing that his plan to go back as before was ruined, Ezekiel had difficulty controlling his hatred of his wife. He lifted his wife¡¯s head from his shoulders. He thought he¡¯d lose his mind if he stayed any longer. Ezekiel struggled for a moment, barely pressing his rage of wanting to shake his wife, saying, ¡°You can have Charles¡¯s child but not mine?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­Think as you please.¡±


    The voice that came out of her mouth was like chewing them and was full of pressed emotions. Ezekiel took a heavy step, controlling the boiling rage inside.


    ¡°Ezekiel!¡±


    It was when he reached the door with a rough pace. Herace called him out as if screaming for him from behind. Ezekiel stopped without turning his head.


    He thought heard her step, and then he could hear his wife breathing right behind him. As he lowered his gaze, he could see my wife¡¯s bare feet, stepping closer to him.


    ¡°One last time¡­¡­ You won¡¯t believe it, but I¡¯ll say it one more time.¡±


    It was a voice full of sadness. Herace put her hand slightly on Ezekiel¡¯s back in tears. The firm shoulders flinched at the sudden contact. But he didn¡¯t look back at all.


    Herace blinked at her husband¡¯s back, which seemed not to collapse ever. The tear marks on the floor were getting more. She begged earnestly against his cold back, trying to exhale the breath, which was choked with tears.


    ¡°Erzen, is yours and my child.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°So please be nice to him. Don¡¯t let him cry without me¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­please.¡±


    ****


    Miguel¡¯s nanny looked worriedly at the child she was serving. The child was reading a fairy tale. The size of the fairly large book showed the child¡¯s amber eyes moving from side to side.


    ¡°Young Master, where did you go earlier? If you suddenly disappear¡­¡­ Do you know how worried I was?¡±


    The child seemed to be concentrating on reading, so she did not want to disturb him. But eventually the middle-aged woman expressed her concern to the child. Originally, he often played hide-and-seek according to his age, but now the castle was in a mess.


    The entire castle was in an uproar over the return of the runaway Duchess. Although she did not see it in person, she was worried that Miguel might see such a sight because she could hear the sound of a maid who ran away with the Duchess being whipped into the building.


    ¡°I was with my Father. My father and I were together.¡±


    ¡°What? But the Master¡­¡­.¡±


    The woman tilted her head to Miguel¡¯s answer. She heard that the owner who returned didn¡¯t come out of the annex, but when did the Young Master go to him? Hana¡¯s questions were scattered like fog with the child turning the pages of the book.


    ¡°Oh, come to think of it, you took a walk with Master earlier. I must have forgotten for a moment.¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you overdoing it these days? Don¡¯t overwork if it¡¯s hard. It¡¯s not good for your memory.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re really a good boy. How could you be so?¡­.¡±


    The middle-aged woman burst into laughter at the words of a child not suitable for his age. Miguel smiled at the woman and his eyes glistened.


    ¡°Nanny.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Young Master.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­I have something I want.¡±


    The child smacked his lips as if he had wanted to have his favorite food in front of him. The woman had surprised eyes at the greed of the child she had never heard of.


    ¡°I thought it would be crushed at once because it was as soft as jelly¡­¡­ It was harder than I thought. I like it because I think I can suck it up for a long time.¡±


    ¡°What? What the hell is that¡­¡­. Are you talking about candy? Then I¡¯ll¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not candy. There¡¯s no comparison to it.¡±


    ¡°Well¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it because Nanny won¡¯t be able to give it to me. It¡¯s going to be in my hands soon anyway. ¡°


    It was a vague remark. The Nanny missed the timing of asking what kind of food it was because the child cut it off. Miguel put the fairy tale book at the end of the couch and ran toward the door with a lively gait.


    ¡°Young master, where are you going again?¡±


    ¡°I have a younger brother now. So I¡¯m going to meet him.¡±


    ¡°Oh, My Lord! No!¡±


    The woman opened the door and quickly chased the fleeing child, but the door slammed shut. In the reaction, the fairy tale book, which had been narrowly placed on the couch, fell to the floor and flapped over the bookshelf as if flying in the wind.


    Like children¡¯s fairy tale books, the books had more pictures than writings. The picture of a large beast opening its mouth was seen on the fluttering page. But the bookcase stopped narrowly at that part due to the wind suddenly weakening.


    ?A bad monster swallowed the poor child in one bite. But there was no warrior to save the child.


    The wide-open book showed the whole picture. The black beast on the left was showing his teeth by swallowing the child on the right with a bite. It was a creepy scene for a child¡¯s fairy tale book to see. How scary its big mouth and teeth were.


    ****


    Erzen was asleep. He cried all day looking for his mother. His sunny face was covered with tears, so it was pitiful just to look at it.


    Ezekiel stared at the child¡¯s black hair and looked around with his red eyes. Behind those closed eyelids were blue eyes the same color as his wife.


    ¡°Mom¡­¡±


    The child sipped his fingers in his sleep and tried to find his mother. The wide bed and blanket were soft and thick without the child feeling the cold, but the child was wrapped tightly in radish. Ezekiel frowned at the voice of the child looking for his wife and sat next to him carefully.


    ¡°¡­¡­please.¡±


    He was going to raise him without any shortage of necessities even if his wife didn¡¯t say so. Although he(Erzen) was not his own child, unlike what he told his wife, he was going to make him call him Father and raise him as a member of Serpence. He hated the child, but he was after all his wife¡¯s child. And if this child thought of him as a father and followed him, there would be another shackle to tie his wife forever.


    But he couldn¡¯t. Even if he made up his mind, when he saw the child, he remembered that his wife had committed adultery. And whenever that happened, his heart tightened and it was difficult to maintain his reason as if he was being eaten alive by insects. He couldn¡¯t hate his wife¡¯s precious existence because of her endless love for her child.


    ¡°Erzen, is yours and my child.¡±


    His wife finally told him a lie. That Erzen was his child.


    Ezekiel remembered his wife¡¯s watery voice and closed his eyes. If he turned around and looked at her face, he might have trusted my wife. Even though he knew it was a lie, when he saw his wife¡¯s blue eyes, he couldn¡¯t think or act like he was possessed by something.


    He wanted to keep the relationship between his wife and his brother who was kicked out a secret. But she didn¡¯t obey him. So ended up bringing the mistress and insulting his wife. He gave his wife the same pain he felt and eventually stopped brainwashing himself that he was wrong. He, Ezekiel clearly saw evidence of his wife¡¯s crime on the child.


    Erzen. As soon as this child was born.


    If the child had not been born, if he had been born with any resemblance to him, or if he had not seen the secret meeting between his brother and wife, would he have closed his eyes and forced himself to believe that he (Erzen) was his child?


    Ezekiel pulled back the blanket on Erzen¡¯s stomach. The child curled up in the sudden cold. He slowly lifted up the top the child was wearing, unable to control his trembling hands.


    ¡°Ha¡­¡­¡±


    Ezekiel frowned. He choked on his own breath. He remembered the day when the child was born.


    ****


    ¡°It¡¯s an honor to be your first son.¡±


    ¡®It¡¯ was born, breathing disgustingly and grinning. The same hair color and eyes as himself. Ezekiel turned his back on the newborn as if he were looking at a disgusting bug. Then ¡®It¡¯ said from behind.


    ¡°Go see your wife. There¡¯s another Serpence child is born, not me. Maybe it¡¯s a kid who looks just like you like me. Wouldn¡¯t that make you feel more comfortable?¡±


    He felt like ¡®It¡¯ was playing with him, so Ezekiel couldn¡¯t even stand in front of Herace¡¯s room, but he could clearly hear his wife¡¯s scream in the next room. And at dawn, when everything was over, he went to the newborn¡¯s room with red eyes and stared at the small child wrapped in a small cloth without anyone knowing.


    The child didn¡¯t look like him at all. All the colors and shapes resemble only his wife. It was all right up to there. He thought he was rather glad that the child looked like his wife. If there was any sign of anyone else¡¯s resemblance other than his wife or him, the suspicion would not have subsided.


    However, Ezekiel, who was wrapping the child in the cloth again that day, had no choice but to harden himself after discovering something.


    ¡°Why¡­¡­¡±


    It was disastrous to see it again. Ezekiel, who was overlapping his self to that day, looked around the child¡¯s lowest rib with fearful eyes.


    There was only one flaw on the child¡¯s soft skin. a star-shaped red dot. The size of a child¡¯s little fingernail was contrasted with white skin, giving off an indisputable presence.


    Ezekiel exhaled and held his frozen fingertips. That unusual, hard-to-see shape wasn¡¯t just on this child¡¯s body.


    ¡°Brother!¡±


    Shining Charles. Unlike him, he had everything, so he easily gained what he wanted the most. His younger brother also had the same shape and dot at the same place. It was also a characteristic of Charles, who neither their father nor himself had.


    Ezekiel lowered Erzen¡¯s top. As long as the child is Charles¡¯ bloodline, he will suffer from madness for the rest of his life. His wife, who stood next to him, loved her brother as she had always loved him. She will have his brother¡¯s child, but she will not have his children. She also ran away with his brother¡¯s child. If he hadn¡¯t ruined their relationship, the child, his brother, and the three of them would have a happily ever after.


    Ezekiel suffered every time he was confirmed to have ruined his life. But nevertheless, he couldn¡¯t let go of his wife. Herace was his. His companion who will spend her whole life next to him and rot in the coffin even if she dies. Even if Ezekiel died, he had no intention of letting his wife go from his side.


    A smirk of ruthlessness leaked out. He was like his father, who kept his wife locked up in a room in a separate building. Then will his end be like his father?

 CH 50

    ¡®No, it won¡¯t be the same.¡¯


    Ezekiel, who was drawing the last image of his father, shook his head. His father sent his mother away first, but he will stay with her forever. To live, to die.


    Ezekiel covered the child with the blanket again and moved. But as soon as he came out of the door, he crumpled his face. A child who looked just like him, a little taller than the child lying on the bed in the room, was smiling and running around, was caught by a middle-aged woman who didn¡¯t know what to do. ¡®It¡¯ said, peeping through the crevice of the slightly open door behind Ezekiel.


    ¡°I¡¯m here to see my brother, Father.¡±


    At Miguel¡¯s words, Ezekiel closed the door and stood in front of him. Miguel smiled at his determined face and took a step closer to Ezekiel. Ezekiel, however, pushed Miguel away without hesitation. The child stumbled and managed to stand somehow.


    ¡°Young Master!¡±


    Miguel¡¯s nanny took a big breath as if surprised by the Duke¡¯s harsh behavior. But Ezekiel, who looked down at Miguel, spoke in a cold voice without hiding his disgust.


    ¡°I warn you, don¡¯t even step in here.¡±


    ****


    Although she said she would endure it, but it wasn¡¯t easy. Herace was drying up day by day like a river being dried in the scorching sun. Because of the longing for her son, the closed space, and the man in front of him.


    ¡°I used to do this for you. Just like your slave.¡±


    Herace was kneeling at the feet of Ezekiel, who was leaning against the couch, and rubbing his legs. In recent days, Ezekiel didn¡¯t treat her as a mistress and had made her act like a servant.


    ¡°Do it right.¡±


    It was a solid man¡¯s body, so she had to do her best with her small and soft hands, but even though he scolded her, Herace did not complain a word. As she moved her hands silently, Ezekiel, who was buried in the couch, raised his upper body and bent down right in front of Herace¡¯s face.


    ¡°But I like the feeling of your body next to me. Roaming your hands everywhere.¡±


    With a slow word, he picked up Herace¡¯s wet hair and breathed in. Maybe it was because she only wore a thin dress after washing up, but his wife¡¯s body odour was subtle through the smell of the perfume. Herace stiffened for a moment at his blatant behavior, but soon moved her hand again with her head down as if she didn¡¯t care.


    Ezekiel, who was looking down at Herace, stood up suddenly and went to the table on one side of the room. The meal for the day was delicious and moderately warm, although there were not many kinds.


    ¡°¡­¡­sit down, here.


    Herace, who wiped her hands with a clean cloth, sat opposite Ezekiel as if she had been waiting. Although she was uncomfortable inside, Herace waited for dinner with Ezekiel. She didn¡¯t know why, maybe because he would tell her about Erzen only at this time.


    ¡°Your son still remains the same.¡±


    Ezekiel frowned and said as Harace picked up her fork. Harace, holding back from wanting to rush the answer, cut the well-cooked vegetables into small pieces and put them in her mouth. Ezekiel, who confirmed she was chewing and swallowing the food, continued.


    ¡°He doesn¡¯t complain much, and he doesn¡¯t seem to care. Maybe because he grew up outside. However, he cries several times a day because he wants to see you. So the castle is noisy these days.¡±


    Herace¡¯s hands began to tremble when she heard Erzen had been crying. The child who was crying looking for her was pictured in her mind. Ezekiel raised the corners of his mouth as he watched his wife¡¯s trembling.


    ¡°But don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ve got him an etiquette teacher. So that I won¡¯t hear him crying loudly. If he is taught carefully, he will get better.¡±


    Clank!


    At the same time as the loud crashing of the tableware was heard, the resentful eyes turned to Ezekiel. Ezekiel looked into his wife¡¯s eyes and cut the meat with a knife and stuck it out in front of her face. The moderate sauce was mixed with the gravy and looked quite appetizing, but it just felt disgusting to Herace.


    ¡°Eat. If you don¡¯t eat, I won¡¯t tell you about your son the next time.¡±


    Herace twitched her lips and opened her mouth. However, as soon as she put it in her mouth, she could not chew or swallow the meat that was as soft as it would melt. She didn¡¯t want to cry, but when she drew Erzen¡¯s face in front of her eyes, who was searching for her, tears naturally fell.


    ¡°The same goes for crying. Don¡¯t cry. I don¡¯t want to see my mistress dragging her feet in front of me. You¡¯re here for my pleasure. So such a face at the table is unpleasant.¡±


    ¡°Hmmm¡­¡­ hah.¡±


    ¡°Do I have to say it twice? Or should I tell them to stop sending his meal now?¡±


    Herace shook her head roughly and rubbed her eyes with the back of her hand. Ezekiel watched without blinking as she struggled to chew the meat while gagging. And finally, when Harace swallowed the meat, he opened his mouth again.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡­He has to start studying other things, but the doctor said the child¡¯s body is not very healthy. I heard that his body lacks a lot of nutrition as well as his physical strength¡­.¡±


    Like you, the words that he couldn¡¯t say went around in his mouth and disappeared. Ezekiel cut the meat into smaller pieces and held it out again in front of Herace. Herace ate the meat obediently while her lips were trembling.


    ¡°I guess it wasn¡¯t easy to feed a child even if you worked so hard, right?¡±


    Unlike the diligent touch of a mother bird feeding a baby bird, Ezekiel¡¯s mouth was still vicious. He looked at Herace¡¯s body and spouted irritably.


    ¡°But you¡¯re a woman who¡¯s never done anything hard before. Considering that you didn¡¯t take anything while escaping, you rather endured it well for a long time.¡±


    When he thought of the jewels and the pieces of gems that remained in the room, he felt angry again. Did you want to leave me even though knowing you would be living so pathetically?


    Ezekiel, who was looking at his wife¡¯s thin neck, looked at her hand with thin arms along her round shoulders and protruding wrist bones, and eventually looked at her hands. Herace¡¯s hands had been softened with precious perfume, but it seemed that it would take a long time to become the same as before.


    Clank.


    Ezekiel put the knife and fork he was holding on the table and stood up. There was a sound of the chair being dragged as he went behind Herace and bent down. The man¡¯s firm arms and hands passed Herace¡¯s shoulder and soon grabbed her hand like a tight knot and clasped her fingers.


    ¡°¡­¡­Do you know how I found you, Herace?¡±


    Herace lowered her eyes to the sound of the man¡¯s breathing on her neck. No matter how he found her, what¡¯s the use of it now? Herace tried to loosen his grip and rebelled feebly. Ezekiel whispered, clasping her fingers harder.


    ¡°Your skill is still the same. I could tell just by looking at the end of the embroidered lilies. Whose skill is it?¡±


    ****


    At the same time as her eyes opened, the unique cold air entered her lungs. Herace realised that the warmth next to her had disappeared and looked everywhere.


    ¡®¡­he¡¯s gone.¡¯


    After confirming that Ezekiel had left, she rose carefully and approached the window. The long curtains stretched from the ceiling to the floor were quite thick and almost covered all the light.


    Herace pulled the curtains with all her might. Then, with the bluish dawn light, she could see a glass greenhouse full of all kinds of plants.


    ¡®¡­there¡¯s still time.¡¯


    Herace, who was staring blankly at the greenhouse with her hand on the window, looked stiff. She returned to bed, shoved her feet into the fluffy bedroom shoes, and stood at the door connected to the glass greenhouse. Judging by the color outside, it was clear that there was still more than an hour left before the maid brought breakfast.


    ¡®Even if I can¡¯t think of a way, I have to move. I have to do anything to find a way to save Erzen.¡¯


    As per Ezekiel¡¯s request, Herace said she would stay here as long as she had run away, but she did not intend to stay still and cry. Tears flowed for days. Now, it was her turn to do something.


    ¡®He said he¡¯d accept Erzen as a member of Serpence, but¡­¡­ He also told me he doesn¡¯t think of him as his child. Then Erzen¡¯s safety¡­¡­.¡¯


    She didn¡¯t know what would happen to a child who wouldn¡¯t get attention or protection. Herace shivered as she remembered Charlotte¡¯s eyes, which looked as if she were going to kill her.


    She wouldn¡¯t do anything to her, but if those hostile eyes touched Erzen¡­¡­. The sacrifice of young blood in the fight for succession of the aristocratic family occurs frequently even now. Herace¡¯s back cooled after imagining the worst.


    ¡®I have to find a way out of here in advance just in case. If the castle is dangerous for Erzen, I have to sneak him out.¡¯


    From her experience, outside the castle was as dangerous as the castle. However, at least outside the castle, wouldn¡¯t there be a chance to save Erzen without sacrificing his life? Herace pushed the door as hard as she could, thinking of Erzen, who would be scared after losing her mother.


    Screech.


    The door to the glass greenhouse opened easily. Herace crossed the low threshold and looked at the strange place with nervous eyes.


    The beautiful glass greenhouse, which was once filled with beautiful flowers and plants is now covered with wild plants, moss, and vines. It was not enough to block the way, but anyone who values beauty would have hated such management.


    Herace¡¯s gaze touched the high ceiling of the garden. The dawn light was blocked to some extent because the ivy vine stretched high and covered the roof of the glass ceiling. However, even so, there was no difficulty in identifying objects because it was brighter than the room where Herace was lying a while ago.


    ¡®Considering that no one is here, it wasn¡¯t well managed.¡¯


    Although Herace lived in Serpence Castle as a Duchess, she did not visit the room and the glass greenhouse here.


    Although it was located in a remote area, it was the place where the mother of Ezekiel, the mistress of the former Duke of the War, stayed. And it was an unlucky place where she, who was called a witch, died. Even in his friendly days, Ezekiel did not hide his unpleasant face with his mouth hardening when it came to his mother¡¯s story, so Herace deliberately forgot about this place.


    ¡®Ezekiel¡¯s mother¡­¡­.¡¯


    She had never seen her before, but she got goosebumps whenever she thought of the dead. After being dragged here, she was busy saving Anna and didn¡¯t even think about it because of knowing what happened to Erzen. But it wasn¡¯t a good feeling knowing that she was living in the place where the deceased stayed.


    ¡®I wasn¡¯t scared when I was young. Rather, I wanted to come here.¡¯


    Herace rubbed her thin shoulders and looked bitter. Charles¡¯s mother, who was kind to her, the former Duchess Ulysses, reacted very sensitively whenever Charles and Herace turned to this annex. It was not easy for Charles and Herace to get out of the main house because of how great the nervousness was.


    Of course, it wasn¡¯t easy, but it wasn¡¯t that  Herace and Charles never came here. She and Charles used to visit the annex without the knowledge of the Duchess Ulysses. There was only one reason. To see Ezekiel.


    However, even then, she hid in the annex only for a few minutes, and came into the glass greenhouse once. This was because the father of Ezekiel, the Duke at the time, did not allow anyone to enter here except him.


    ¡°Oh my God.¡±


    Herace, who was walking with faint memories of her childhood, let out a sigh in front of the fountain without realizing it. She didn¡¯t notice it in her childhood because she was innocent and naive, but the use of this place was clear from the eyes of adults.


    Imprisonment.


    The entrance to the glass greenhouse was connected to the locked room, and the exit on the other side of the entrance was a small outdoor garden surrounded by a high fence. Herace¡¯s face turned pale seeing the fence with no gap from where she could never escape, let alone the door beyond the glass greenhouse.

 CH 51

    Erzen¡¯s clothes on his body have become incomparably more luxurious than they were a few months ago. With a shirt embroidered with silver thread, a wide folded velvet coat, and a pair of soft leather shoes. Erzen today had the appearance of a complete aristocratic child.


    However, the child¡¯s eyes were red and swollen again today. Miguel, sitting right next to him, looked into Erzen¡¯s eyes and took out a neatly folded paper bag from his pocket.


    ¡°Don¡¯t cry and try this. I secretly brought it for you, Erzen.¡±


    Cookies with red berries came out with a rustling sound. Erzen rubbed his stinging eyes with the back of his hand and took the cookies Miguel brought to his mouth. Perhaps because the skillful chef put a lot of good ingredients, the sweet thing made him feel a little better.


    ¡°Is it good?¡±


    Erzen nodded to the soft questioning voice. In this place filled with scary adults, children of the same age were one of the things that made him relaxed.


    ¡°That¡¯s a relief. I¡¯ll bring it to you next time.¡±


    Miguel¡¯s well-groomed face gave Erzen a sense of security. Erzen pondered for a moment and called Miguel.


    ¡°¡­¡­Brother.¡±


    Miguel¡¯s face was filled with a deeper smile at the short name. Miguel stroked Erzen¡¯s head as if praising a good child.


    ¡°Now you call me that.¡±


    ¡°Uhhhh¡­¡±


    He¡¯s so kind because he¡¯s his brother. Marcel said that too. Erzen nodded in memory of his neighboring brothers who had lived in a mountain village a few times and put the remaining cookies in his mouth. The sweeter taste than before made him smile.


    ¡°You have to eat it clean.¡±


    Miguel wiped the cookie crumbs from Erzen¡¯s mouth with a handkerchief. The last doubt in his eyes disappeared with his brother¡¯s kind movements. The child began to whine to the person he thought was harmless to him.


    ¡°Brother Miguel, can¡¯t you stay with me forever? I like Brother Miguel.¡±


    The night he didn¡¯t see his mother could no longer be counted with his ten fingers. The child, tired of loneliness and fear, was afraid of all the adults surrounding him. They woke Erzen up with a stiff face every time, forced him to sit at the table in the name of courtesy, and taught him something forcefully. Those who were labeled nannies were kind, but for Erzen, who remembers his mother¡¯s warm arms, the contrived arms of strange women could not be a safe heaven.


    ¡°Sorry, Erzen. That sounds tough. My Father wouldn¡¯t allow me to meet you. It¡¯s actually a secret¡­¡­ I came here secretly, too.¡±


    Miguel looked embarrassed at Erzen¡¯s question, but it was nothing more than a superficial expression. Miguel smiled inwardly as he remembered being kicked out by Ezekiel while coming to see Erzen the other day. He doesn¡¯t even think of Erzen as his child, but he is trying to protect him. It was funny.


    ¡®No mother, no Anna, no Brother is with me. There¡¯s no one next to Erzen.¡­.¡¯


    At Miguel¡¯s answer, tears formed again in Erzen¡¯s blue eyes. Miguel stroked Erzen¡¯s head in tears and gently pulled out the child¡¯s sadness.


    ¡°Does Erzen miss his Mom?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I miss Mom.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because she¡¯s my Mom. I like my Mom the most. She¡¯s nice, pretty, and¡­¡­.¡±


    The child, who was still lacking in words, could not fully express his feelings or mind. Frustrated, Erzen used his arms to make a big circle and said to Miguel again.


    ¡°Anyway, I love my Mom this much! No, much more than this! What about you? Do you like your Mom?¡±


    At Erzen¡¯s question, the amber eyes were bent thin. What should I answer? By mom, Erzen must be referring to Charlotte, but Miguel wanted to answer about Erzen¡¯s mother, Herace.


    ¡°I¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Miguel! Miguel! Where are you! Miguel!¡±


    When Miguel was pondering the answer, a sharp woman¡¯s voice rang outside. Miguel, who understood that the high scream belonged to Charlotte, sighed and got out of bed.


    ¡°Oh, Erzen, I¡¯ve gotta go. My mother must be looking for me.¡±


    ¡°Huh? Brother, don¡¯t go¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be back next time, Erzen.¡±


    The window next to the bed opened with a rattling sound, and Miguel jumped out of the window frame with a sharp gesture, unlike a child. It happened without Erzen having time to say more.


    ¡°I, too, want to see my mother¡­¡­.¡±


    Erzen whined to climb up the window frame like Miguel. However, Erzen could not climb on the window frame that was taller than him and above his head. So, the child burst into tears.


    ¡°Mom.¡±


    ¡°Oh, my. When did I fall asleep? It¡¯s strange.¡±


    The nanny, who fell asleep sitting on a couch in the room, suddenly woke up to the child¡¯s crying and hugged Erzen. In the arms of a generous woman, Ergen looked out the window and continued to call Herace.


    ¡°Mom¡­¡­sniff.¡±


    ***


    Charlotte walked around the room chewing her nails. The situation has been very unsettling recently. She¡¯s come back, and her child¡­¡­.


    ¡°That can¡¯t be true. Miguel doesn¡¯t even have one. But why did he suddenly recruit a teacher for the kid like that? It¡¯s Miguel who should have the best teachers.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. It¡¯s just a teacher. It¡¯s very normal. That¡¯s right! He doesn¡¯t even want to see his face properly. He is not interested in the child. That child is just recognised as the child of Serpence.¡­.¡±


    Miguel didn¡¯t hide his boredom when he saw his mother pacing around the room, muttering who knows what. How can she always react like that? The child replied sourly to his mother¡¯s self-talk with a bored expression.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Isn¡¯t that natural?¡±


    Charlotte ran in front of her son. She grabbed the small child and shook Miguel¡¯s shoulders with bloodshot eyes.


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°Mother, have you seen my little brother¡¯s face? He looks just like the Duchess. The eyes, the hair color, and even the face.¡±


    Miguel stood well balanced despite his mother¡¯s harsh behavior. Rather, it was Charlotte who stumbled with excitement.


    ¡°What Duchess! She¡¯s just a mistress! That¡¯s what Ezekiel said!¡±


    Duchess. When he referred to her like that, a fire rose inside Charlotte. The anger boiled and blood all over her body soared to the top of her head.


    Charlotte¡¯s face turned into a terrible evil spirit. Miguel, who saw his mother¡¯s face, spoke more slowly rather than scared.


    ¡°Are you pretending not to know when you know it? Even if you get so angry, you can¡¯t be the Duchess. Father said it clearly. The Duchess is still the Duchess.¡±


    ¡°Argh! No! No! I¡¯m the only woman for Ezekiel and the one who will succeed Serpence is you. So the Duchess is me. It¡¯s me!¡±


    ¡°To my Father, the Duchess is the only woman for him. My mother¡­ yes. He just brought you because he thought it was the right thing to do. He brought you here at the promise of gold. So just accept what he gives you and get rid of your greed. The Duchess is still the only one in my Father¡¯s heart, so how can he not give his son some luxury? No matter how much I look like my Father, he will eventually turn to my brother. Because he looks like the woman he loves.¡±


    ¡°No! It¡¯s just for a moment. That feeling won¡¯t last long. Because your face is completely like him. So, if she¡¯s gone¡­.!¡±


    ¡°You could be Duchess?¡±


    Miguel looked straight at Charlotte and laughed. Then, Charlotte¡¯s mind depicted what happened at that time. Miguel squinted his eyes as if he had guessed what was going on in his mother¡¯s head.


    ¡°Mother, has there been any change in your position during the Duchess¡¯ absence? Have you ever gotten any attention? For a long, long time, he didn¡¯t give you the authority of Duchess, or even a small right.¡±


    The job of being dragged out by lowly servants while trying to occupy the Duchess¡¯ room. Charlotte clearly remembered the disgrace. No, that¡¯s not the only thing that she remembered.


    For Charlotte, every moment at Serpence Castle was a disgrace. The real Duchess is her, but no one has honored her as a Duchess. She¡¯s always been a mistress that¡¯s been pointed at. The laughter and murmur of the maids buzzed Charlotte¡¯s ears.


    ¡°My mother wants me to be Father¡¯s successor more than anyone else. What¡¯s the reason? Because you care about me? No. It¡¯s because you don¡¯t have the confidence to be Duchess through Father, am I not right?¡±


    The voice was soothingly calm, but the content was not. Every word Miguel uttered scratched Charlotte¡¯s bottom. Nevertheless, Charlotte lost her reason and waved her hand to the child when the inferiority and anxiety that had been pressing down were stimulated.


    ¡°You!¡±


    However, Miguel shook off his mother¡¯s clutches and avoided her hand at once. Loosing her balance, Charlotte fell to the floor.


    ¡°Argh!¡±


    ¡°Mother, you have¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Ugh¡­¡­¡±


    Miguel squatted in front of Charlotte, who was groaning on the floor. The child recited in a young voice.


    ¡°¡­¡­You¡¯ve already lost. No, you¡¯ve been fighting a fight you can¡¯t win in the first place. Stop it.¡±


    ¡°You¡­¡­ I told you I could be Duchess. If you become the successor¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°I said ¡®yes¡¯ only when I became the successor. But I¡¯m not interested in the successor position. Besides, I¡¯m sure¡­¡­.¡±


    I told you what will happen to you if you¡¯re alive until then.


    Miguel reached out and put his hand on Charlotte¡¯s forehead, who had fallen. Charlotte flinched and hardened her body when the cool fingers touched her forehead.


    ¡°Hey, you monster!¡±


    The moment she completely forgot became clear. The fact that they didn¡¯t even sleep together, but her stomach swelled at once, gave birth much later than an ordinary woman, and the child said ¡®thank you¡¯ to her as soon as he was born.


    The child in front of her was not a person. Just a monster in a human mask.


    ¡°Oh, no! I don¡¯t remember! Miguel, you¡¯re the child I gave birth to from my stomach. Give me the Duchess¡¯ seat¡­¡­ My child who will give me everything! Yes, if you succeed, I¡¯ll¡­¡­.¡±


    However, despite facing the truth, Charlotte shook her head and denied it. If Miguel isn¡¯t her child, he can¡¯t even give her the Duchess¡¯ seat. Miguel was definitely her child. Serpence¡¯s seed and a child born with her flesh and blood.


    ¡°As expected, you never disappoint me. It¡¯s boring to see my mother like this, but on the other hand, you have been my meal for a long time. So are most humans. Even if I¡¯m tired of it, I always have to eat something similar in my daily life.¡±


    Miguel burst into laughter at his mother¡¯s reaction. The child helped her get up, holding her mother¡¯s hand tightly with his small hand.


    ¡°Let go of me!¡±


    Charlotte ran to a fancy dressing table decorated with gold as she stood there with Miguel¡¯s help. With trembling hands, she searched the dresser drawer and jewelry box. Jewellery of gold and all kinds popped out and rolled on the floor. One of them was the necklace that Herace gave Miguel as a gift for his 100th day.


    Miguel picked up the necklace that fell at his feet, stuffed it into his pocket, and said to Charlotte.


    ¡°But I¡¯ll give you a piece of advice because you¡¯ve raised me so far. I hope you listen to it. It¡¯s your last chance.¡±


    ¡°Where did it go? I put it¡­¡­ I put it here¡­¡­ Where is it!¡±


    Charlotte was still overturning the dressing table as if she hadn¡¯t heard Miguel.


    After a long time she found a small wooden box deep in the bottom drawer of the dressing table. The box opened as if she was going to break it. A purple liquid inside a small bottle in Charlotte¡¯s hand sparkled and revealed its existence. Miguel sighed over the liquid in the bottle and continued.


    ¡°Put it down and leave with the gold as the promise of that day. That¡¯s the only way for Mother to be happy. I assure you.¡±

 CH 52

    The middle-aged woman holding Erzen trembled restlessly. Originally, neither the child nor herself should have been here at this time. The child was supposed to sit face to face with the teacher and study, not running around the corridor.


    ¡®I can¡¯t even tell why he is doing this for nothing¡­¡­.¡¯


    Discontentment towards Erzen built up in the woman¡¯s mind. Erzen was quite stubborn, unlike his small and delicate appearance. After some time, the child would still run outside looking for his mother.


    ¡®After I go back today, I¡¯ll have to fix his habit.¡¯


    As a nanny, the woman was patient with the children¡¯s unexpected behavior. However, she never thought of sparing Erzen enough to risk her own life.


    Anyway, his father didn¡¯t care, and he wasn¡¯t a child who was living with his mother. So the closest to him is she. Even if she scolds him, no one will know. Knowing that there was no one to directly protect the child, the nanny planned to raise the Young Master as an underdog.


    ¡°Lord, even if I told him no to, the Young Master does as he pleases¡­¡­.¡±


    Even so, she needs to have a backer to fix Erzen¡¯s habit or do anything. The nanny wrapped the child with her arms and gave strength to her hand, but after making eye contact with Ezekiel, she felt like lying flat on the ground while throwing the child away. She isn¡¯t afraid of the child, but the Duke in front of her.


    Ezekiel had little interest in the nanny. He deliberately turned his head away from Erzen. He didn¡¯t want to see his face. No, actually, he was reluctant to look at the child¡¯s blue eyes.


    ¡°¡­¡­Okay, you can go now.¡±


    Ezekiel chose to avoid him unlike his desire to look at the child. When Herace came to the castle, it was not difficult to see the child, but strangely as the days went by, it was difficult to see the child¡¯s face. The nanny, who was sticking to the floor of the hallway with a stiff posture, rose up and pulled the child as soon as his order fell.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, Young Master. Come on¡­¡­¡±


    The little body was easily dragged away. Ezekiel frowned at her rough movements, but soon turned away.


    ¡°Young Master!¡±


    As soon as Ezekiel turned his back, the woman raised her voice. At the same time, there was a tapping sound of a light body, and he could feel a movement behind his back. When Ezekiel turned back, he found a small hand holding the corner of his pants tightly. His body hardened on its own without him realizing it.


    ¡°Father?¡±


    It was a small question as if it couldn¡¯t be heard if not listened properly. But the child¡¯s voice was clearly embedded in Ezekiel¡¯s ears. Ezekiel clenched his teeth and managed to catch the distant mind.


    ¡°Are you my father?¡±


    The child asked again. His voice trembled as if he were scared, but his stubbornness as if he wouldn¡¯t move until he heard the answer was revealed through his brackish hands.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Master. I¡¯ll take him away. Come here now, Young Master!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t wanna!¡±


    The frightened nanny ripped the child off. The child said he would not go, and while he was being held down, he burst into tears.


    ¡°So please be nice to him. Don¡¯t make him cry¡­¡­.¡±


    At that moment, his wife¡¯s voice resonated in Ezekiel¡¯s ears. Ezekiel turned around and took the child away from the nanny.


    ¡°Okay, back off.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I told you to stay away.¡±


    The nanny blinked at the sudden change in attitude of the owner. Faced with his hideous stare, she withdrew as if she were running away. As the woman left far away, Ezekiel bent one knee and made eye contact with the child.


    His blue eyes full of tears were similar to his wife, but if he looked closely, the tails of the eyes were a little higher. Ezekiel was shocked to realize that the feeling he was feeling was guilt while wiping the child¡¯s wet eyes.


    ¡®Why¡­.¡¯


    He was angry when he saw the sleeping child, but his heart ached when he saw the child crying.


    Embarrassed by the bewildered emotion, he tried to lift himself up from the child. However, when he realised that the child was staring into his eyes, he couldn¡¯t move as if his whole body was tied to a strong chain. Ezekiel had a lot of things going on in his mind. But he opened his mouth with difficulty.


    ¡°¡­¡­Yes.¡±


    Erzen¡¯s face brightened. At the child¡¯s smile, Ezekiel felt a little lighter on one side of his mind. He relaxed the expression on his face and faced the child. However, the child, who was smiling beautifully, frowned as if he had thought of something in a short moment, and instantly stared at him with a hateful face.


    ¡°Lie!¡±


    Erzen¡¯s mirror-like eyes reflected his emotions. Although he was a child who could easily be overpowered with one hand, Ezekiel felt endless helplessness looking at Erzen¡¯s eyes. He felt like he was faced with an opponent with whom he couldn¡¯t win. Erzen shouted at him in a panic.


    ¡°Why is my father bothering my mom? Marcel didn¡¯t do that!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°So you¡¯re not my father!¡±


    ***


    ¡°Ah¡­¡­¡±


    Charlotte hid herself in the corner at the end of the hallway and fell asleep. There was an indisputable anxiety on her face, which was so tight that her hands turned white.


    ¡®I thought he wasn¡¯t interested in him.¡¯


    At the end of the hallway beyond the wall, the man was holding the child tightly for some reason. It was a man and a child who looked nothing alike. But Charlotte felt that they were more similar than Miguel and the man.


    ¡®This way, Miguel, my son, will lose his seat. Then I¡¯ll¡­.¡¯


    Ezekiel didn¡¯t hug Miguel like that. Even if he did hug him several times, he showed an expression as if I wanted to throw him away, and didn¡¯t look a bit affectionate. There was a clear distinction between falsehood and truth. No matter how good he was at acting, he couldn¡¯t hide all his feelings.


    ¡°This is a matter of course. I¡¯m, uh, a mother. Yeah. I¡¯m Miguel¡¯s mother, so I¡¯m doing this to protect Miguel¡¯s place. Everyone does that, to protect their child¡­¡­.¡±


    Charlotte, who was chewing her nails in anxiety, began to touch the fourth ring on her left finger. A large jewel fluttered as if it were alive and moving according to the angle.


    ***


    ¡°Why isn¡¯t Ezekiel coming?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°¡­then, Erzen, what about the child? How is he?¡±


    Herace asked, clasping the arm of the maid who was arranging the table. The maid, who was carrying the plate to the tray, flinched at the sudden contact of Herace and looked puzzled. However, her lips, which were tightly closed, did not move at all because she was firmly ordered not to move them at all.


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t talk to me. I know you¡¯ve been ordered. But¡­¡­¡±


    It¡¯s already been four days since Ezekiel came last. Herace was worried that he would stop coming to her forever like this. He was a tough guy to be with, but he was the only window from where she could learn about Erzen.¡­. Having heard nothing about her son for four days, Herace almost turned crazy with anxiety.


    ¡°Give me a short answer. Please, please¡­¡­ Helen, please¡­¡­.¡±


    Helen¡¯s face darkened as Herace shivered and called her name. She clasped her lips shut as if she was worried about something. Albeit that, she dropped her head on Herace¡¯s face and whispered in a small voice.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know the details either. But the Master doesn¡¯t come out of the room often these days. And Young Master Erzen¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°What about Erzen?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­I heard he¡¯s doing well without any major problems.¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­¡­¡±


    As if a boulder were removed from her shoulders, Herace relaxed and removed the strength in her hands. Helen moved her free arm busily and glanced sympathetically at Herace. Herace, who had been absent-minded for a while, suddenly came to her senses and held the maid¡¯s hand again.


    ¡°Does he cry? Does he look for me? Does he look sick?¡±


    The words that were faster than before were full of worries. Helen looked embarrassedly at Herace, who clung to her hand as if she was her only salvation.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I haven¡¯t had many chances to see Young Master Erzen, so far¡­¡­. Rather, Madam, I think I should get going. If I delay it any longer, I¡¯ll be suspected.¡±


    The table was soon cleaned up. Herace thought about hanging on one more time, but knowing what the maid said was true, she quit and let go of Helen¡¯s hand. In this situation, this answer would have been a big relief. If he held onto her more and someone told Ezekiel this, she would definitely be severely punished and lose her life.


    ¡°Yeah. I¡¯m sorry. Go ahead.¡±


    Herace hid her disappointment and gave Helen a forced smile. Helen turned nervously and dragged the trolley toward the door. Herace couldn¡¯t hold back her tears and lowered her head as the maid moved away with clattering sounds.


    ¡°Madam.¡±


    It was when the tears dripped down and wet the tablecloth. Helen called to Herace with a face that she couldn¡¯t stand it and came back to her. While looking anxiously at the door, she spoke in a small voice so that only Herace could hear her.


    ¡°I don¡¯t see the Young Master often, but I¡¯ll tell you when I see him.¡±


    Herace opened her eyes wide and looked at Helen. The maid looked determined when asked why she took this risk.


    ¡°¡­¡­ Anna asked me to look after the Lady and her child before she left.¡±


    ¡°She already left?¡±


    Knock, knock.


    A knock on the door blocked Helen¡¯s mouth that was trying to explain something. Helen walked swiftly toward the door with a bluish face. Soon the door opened, and an old butler appeared at first glance through the gap. He glanced inside and looked down at Helen with a stiff face.


    ¡°You are late. I¡¯m sure I have said that you shouldn¡¯t talk about anything recklessly.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I spilled water while I was cleaning the table¡­¡­.¡±


    Helen¡¯s frightened voice seemed to be heard along with the butler¡¯s angry voice, and the door snapped shut. Herace was left alone in the room again.


    ¡°Anna¡­¡­¡±


    Anna was full of Erzen¡¯s thoughts and couldn¡¯t even worry about herself properly. It must have been hard to endure the 50 hits of the whip. Tears burst out when she thought of the face that was worried, let alone hate her, even after such an incident.


    Herace rubbed her face to the point of pain and stood up with a sudden movement. Thanks to the random push, the chair went back and made a loud noise, but she didn¡¯t care and opened the door to the glass greenhouse.


    She was suffocated to think that she had not done anything or had the chance to do anything. It¡¯s been a while since she decided to do something, but she had always been stuck in this place.


    As she walked fast with her teeth clenched, the fountain soon appeared with the sound of water flowing. Herace sat down in front of the fountain, looked at the flowing water, and put one hand in it.


    When the cold water touched her hand, the frustration went away a little. However, the glass greenhouse, which was blocked all around, was also like a prison. So Herace gasped her chest with her hand without realizing it.


    Knock, knock.


    Herace, surprised by the unusual noise, stood up looking ahead. Then beyond the glass wall, she saw a small child with the same hair color as the man who locked her here.

 CH 53

    ¡®That child¡­¡¯.¡¯


    Herace, who recognized Miguel, faltered with a wary gaze. However, Miguel, who was covered with dirt, smiled innocently and greeted her with his mouth shape.


    Hello.


    Herace hesitated for a long time before going outside where the child was. The high wall outside the glass greenhouse was still there, casting a deep shadow even in the middle of the day.


    ¡®There¡¯s no way he¡¯s crossed this high wall¡­¡­ by any chance?¡¯


    Herace, who looked at the child full of dirt, then looked around for any gaps in the wall and immediately asked the child.


    ¡°¡­¡­how did you get in here?¡±


    ¡°Hello, I¡¯m Miguel. It¡¯s not my first time seeing you, but it¡¯s my first time saying hello, right? Hello, Madam.¡±


    He was mature and bold, unlike his age. Herace opened her eyes wide in surprise at the child¡¯s ability to speak fluently. No matter how different children are, is it possible for a child who is still less than five to speak that way? She couldn¡¯t believe it even when she heard it.


    ¡°Teachers often praise me for being faster at learning than my peers.¡±


    The child laughed and said, as if he had guessed what Herace was thinking. Herace somehow felt a little dim.


    ¡®He¡¯s about the same age as Erzen. I know I shouldn¡¯t show my ugly jealousy to the child just because my impression of him is bad. He¡¯s as young as Erzen.¡¯


    In the first place, the child and she were not related and comfortable enough to talk with each other. Herace thought ill of the child because of her jealousy. As she judged, she bit her lips down. She managed to greet him back calmly, trying to hide her cool expression.


    ¡°Yes. You¡¯re late to say hello. I¡¯m¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I know. You¡¯re Erzen¡¯s mother, aren¡¯t you? I recognized it right away because you look just like Erzen.¡±


    However, the heart that was barely suppressed collapsed the moment she heard her son¡¯s name. Herace took a step closer to Miguel.


    ¡°Do you know Erzen?¡±


    ¡°Yes! I know him very well. He¡¯s a cute little brother.¡±


    Miguel¡¯s words immediately burned her with anger, sorrow, and at the same time with relief. A complex emotion that even Harace herself could not judge shook her lungs and stabbed her heart. She felt the pain and looked down at the child with a stiff face. Even though he looked like Ezekiel, his face that looked so similar to him was smiling beautifully as he bent his eyes at her.


    ¡®Erzen and I¡­ Erzen and I¡­¡­.¡¯


    Hate surged when he saw a face that looked just like that man. Erzen was not even recognized as his child, but this child was enjoying everything Erzen would have with a face that looked just like him. Herace unknowingly spat out her feelings for the child.


    ¡®I hate him.¡¯


    But as soon as she realised her feelings for the child, she blushed in shame.


    What is wrong with me? No matter how much I hate this child. This child was not the cause of the situation she and Erzen are in now. The person to hate and resent the most¡­¡­ It was the man who looked like this child.


    ¡®He¡¯s (Ezekiel) the one who caused me and Erzen pain. This child was born to trouble us. Still, I shouldn¡¯t do this¡­.¡­ I can¡¯t do this.¡¯


    Herace stepped back with the foot she had approached to the child. Then Miguel took a step closer to her with his amber eyes shining even more.


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t believe my eyes, but you are really beautiful. As much as the sculpture over there. You look very much alike.¡±


    Herace turned her eyes along Miguel¡¯s fingers. What the child was pointing at was a long-haired fountain sculpture in the glass greenhouse. Herace chuckled at the statue. The statue and she didn¡¯t look very much alike.


    ¡°I don¡¯t look like the Snow Fairy. But thanks for the compliment.¡±


    Unlike Herace, whose curves are in harmony, which gives the overall weak and soft impression, the statue gave a slightly frighteningly cool and inhuman impression. No wonder, the statue was a sculpture of an alien being in the Northern legend.


    Snow Fairy. In the North, the statue was called the Snow Witch. It was a symbol of a cold, arrogant, hard-to-reach beauty as its name suggests.


    ¡°It¡¯s not the Snow Fairy, It¡¯s the Snow Witch. People of the capital call it the Snow Fairy which originated from the Snow Witch of the Northern legend to make it sound soft and weak. I think any proud northerner who knows the true history of the North would call it the Snow Witch.¡±


    Miguel frowned slightly at Herace¡¯s words and made a clear explanation. Herace, who had a small smile after thanking him for the compliment, was once again surprised by the child¡¯s deep knowledge.


    The word ¡®Witch¡¯ itself is considered a very bad term after the Holy War. The word ¡®Snow Fairy¡¯ is used more often in the North, but some of the proud northern families still taught their descendants that Snow Fairy should be called Snow Witch.


    ¡°You studied a lot. You must have been praised a lot by your teachers.¡±


    ¡°My father taught me this. He told me to call it the Snow Fairy, but I prefer the word Snow Witch.¡±


    Herace tried to stroke Miguel¡¯s red-faced head as if he was happy with the compliment, but when she heard that he had learned it from Ezekiel, she clasped her hands tightly together. She asked bitterly, thinking of Erzen.


    ¡°Ezeki¡­¡­, did your father teach you that, too?¡±


    The corners of the child¡¯s mouth rose slightly at the words of Herace. The child replied shyly, but in a confident voice, fiddling with his feet wrapped in silver.


    ¡°Yes. My father is closer to me than anyone else. He teaches me many things.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­He seems to care about you a lot.¡±


    Hearing the child¡¯s answer, Herace realized. As long as she is Erzen¡¯s mother, she will never be able to truly like this child. It would be best to treat him with a hidden hatred like now.


    It reminded her of the Duchess Ulysses, who hated Ezekiel, the illegitimate son of the Duke of War. In the past, she thought she (Ulysses) was cruel, who hated Ezekiel as if she wanted to kill him. But now finding herself in the same situation, Herace thought she was better than her (Ulysses). At least she was honest with her heart.


    ¡®I¡¯m being narrow-minded. However¡­¡­.¡¯


    Herace, who thought it was hard to see Miguel¡¯s face anymore, asked the last question before sending the child back.


    ¡°By the way, Miguel, as I asked you earlier, how did you get in here? There wouldn¡¯t have been an entrance.¡±


    ¡°This is where I have been wanting to come for a very, very long time. Thanks to you, I know everything about this place!¡±


    The child spoke confidently with both hands on his waist. His pure face and bright voice seemed to have no intention to hide anything from her, and Herace hesitated to ask where it was.


    ¡°Do you want to know where I came in?¡±


    The big round eyes quickly faded. His voice was also subtle, which was different from before. On the day when Herace suddenly lost consciousness before being taken back into Serpence Castle, she remembered the voice she heard just before she fainted.


    [Do you want my help?]


    It must have been an illusion, but why is the memory so clear?


    Herace took a close look at Miguel. The child¡¯s face, which she saw again, was pure. Miguel looked at the silent Herace and turned in a cheerful motion and gestured to follow him.


    The outdoor garden outside the glass greenhouse was more like a small yard than a garden. The distance between the glass wall and the outer wall of the greenhouse was within 10 steps. And even that was decorated with various plants and shrubs, so the actual space to walk around was remarkably small. Miguel went to the corner of the narrow space and stuck close to a round shrub.


    Following Miguel¡¯s gaze, Herace looked behind the shrub and saw a very small hole. A hole that even a small child has to crumple into. In addition, there were lush shrubs outside the wall, so it was dense with branches. But even so, Herace was both surprised and pleased to find it. There¡¯s a passage through here.


    Miguel looked at Herace¡¯s face and whispered in a small voice as if telling her a secret.


    ¡°It¡¯s a secret passageway that adults can¡¯t find nor use. But Lucy and I can go through it.¡±


    ¡°Lucy?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a white little dog I have. I showed it to Erzen, and he really liked it.¡±


    When Erzen¡¯s name popped up again, Herace looked at the hole more persistently. If I dig some more dirt under the hole¡­¡­.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think I can use the hole anymore if I grow up a little bigger. I dug up the soil, and the roots of the tree are touching here. I¡¯m barely passing by even now¡­¡­.¡±


    The wish was quickly broken. Miguel leaned down and groaned, twisting between the shrub and the wall, and made a regrettable remark as if he had heard Herace¡¯s inner thoughts.


    Herace flinched because she seemed to have been caught, and then bowed down in front of Miguel, who came out to her side again. She made eye contact with a child who was messed up with dirt and leaves and patted his head. She couldn¡¯t really like him, but she wanted to show kindness to the child who tried hard to come here through being dirty.


    ¡°Thank you for letting me know your secret, Miguel.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°But don¡¯t ever come here again. It¡¯s a dog hole, but branches outside can hurt you. And if you get dirt on pretty clothes like this¡­¡­.¡±


    The hands removing the leaves and shaking off the soil were very friendly. Miguel cut off her words as he stared at Herace, who arranged his hair and clothes.


    ¡°I¡¯ll bring Erzen when I get a chance.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    Erzen. Herace¡¯s words stopped at the name of her son.


    Can I see Erzen? If she could meet her son, whom she was forced to separate from..¡­. A great temptation engulfed Herace, who craved for his son. She turned her head away from Miguel¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°My teachers will turn a blind eye to it once in a while if I tell them that I want to play with my brother. They are pretty lazy. Then we can come here together.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°It breaks my heart that Erzen cried because he wanted to see his mother. I live with my mother¡­¡­ It¡¯s so pitiful to leave my younger brother alone. If we are careful of the branches and wash the clothes later, no one would know. So don¡¯t worry.¡±


    Herace¡¯s eyes, which had been shaken by conflict, stopped when she heard that he felt sorry. She was alone. And Erzen was alone too.


    ¡®Erzen was crying? Looking for me?¡¯


    Herace raised her head slowly. She looked at Miguel with blue eyes full of tears as if pleading. However, she shook her chin and did not ask Miguel to bring Erzen.


    As the silence lengthened, Miguel twisted his mouth knowing that Herace wouldn¡¯t notice it. The child showed a hateful smile, took a step back from Herace, and put himself in the gap between the shrub and the wall.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got to go.¡±


    Miguel grunted and dug into the gap as hard as he could when coming here to see Herace through the hole. The child¡¯s body slid gently through the shrub like a flexible snake. The voice of the child that arrived over the wall rang in the ear of Herace, who was dazed sitting on both knees.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be back next time, so please wait.¡±

 CH 54

    His head throbbed more when he was resting. Because of this, Ezekiel worked tirelessly. He also thoroughly examined the territory and castle work that he usually left with his own eyes, and also observed the training of the knights more often than before. Thanks to this, the fatigue of those working under him has increased even more.


    It was the same now. The administrator in charge of the village around Lake Aunue looked blankly at the ink marks all over the pile of papers. Their Lord was diligent and meticulous before, but recently, he has pursued high completeness in his work to the point of being close to a marathon.


    ¡°Get out.¡±


    ¡°Yes, then I¡¯ll sort it out again.¡±


    The voice of the aide, who bowed politely, trembled a little. But Ezekiel raised the pen again without paying attention. Soon, only the scratching sound of pen filled the office with the smell of ink and paper.


    The spring sunlight came over the window and warmed Ezekiel¡¯s back for quite a long time. However, he did not give any attention to the sunshine outside the window. Ezekiel read and signed the documents for a long time, and only after running out of ink did he turn his head to look at the almost sunset time of the day.


    He only relaxed for a moment, but the blue eyes penetrated the gap in his mind in an instant.


    Ezekiel closed his eyes tightly, thinking of Herace in the annex and Erzen in the castle. Unlike how could he decide and solve the problems of territory somehow, the relationship with Herace showed no solution.


    He felt like his lungs were hardening because he couldn¡¯t breath. Ezekiel stormed out of his seat and picked up a bottle of wine from a cabinet on one side of the room.


    Pumpkin wine went down the throat with a scent that paralyzed the sense of smell. When the strong alcohol came in as if to burn the esophagus, he felt a little relieved.


    Ezekiel, who had dawned almost half a bottle of alcohol, returned to the desk and stared at the documents. However, the images of Herace that occupied his head could not be removed even by the influence of alcohol. He closed his eyes and held his throbbing forehead in both hands.


    ¡°So you¡¯re not my dad!¡±


    What he felt for Erzen at the moment was clearly not hate or anger. Ezekiel was feeling pitiful and affectionate to the small child who shouted at him. A lot more than he thought he would.


    ¡®The product of betrayal of my wife.¡¯


    All the emotions he had toward the child were negative. He even had a terrible heart to kill the small child who couldn¡¯t protect himself.


    ¡®But why now¡­¡­.¡¯


    He remembered hugging the child who said he hated him. The child was smaller and thinner than he had seen. Ezekiel frowned as he remembered the little head and the sad cry of the child, who was barely held in one of his hand.


    It¡¯s not even the first time he held the child. It was him who dragged the runaway Herace and held the child away from his wife¡¯s arms several times.


    ¡®¡­is it because he looks like Herace?¡¯


    Ezekiel acted like a man clinging to an unsolved mystery, and eventually forced him to put away the reason why he would understand it. It¡¯s been a repeat of the same thing for days, but what could he do? He didn¡¯t know the answer at all.


    When he finished thinking about the child to some extent, his wife came to mind as if it were natural. Maybe it¡¯s because it¡¯s been more than a week since he went to the annex to see her. Just painting the picture of his wife made him thirsty.


    Half the alcohol left went down his throat. Herace¡¯s face became more and more apparent even as the bottle was bottomed out and his vision became dim. Along with the clear appearance of his wife, his desire, which he had barely pressed, raised its head in a drunken state.


    ¡°Herace¡­¡±


    Unlike Erzen, his feelings for Herace couldn¡¯t be immediately expressed in simple words.


    Ezekiel hated Herace. He was resentful. For betraying him and giving birth to a child other than his own. It seemed unforgivable to him that she ran away from him with that product.


    But at the same time she was so lovely. Whatever she did, he would be overwhelmed with the love he felt for her.


    The ambivalence ate him up. Opposite emotions clashed endlessly without either side dying out.


    When he first faced his wife¡¯s injustice done on him, he thought so. If he hurt his wife the same way¡­¡­ He thought resentment and hatred would go away a little if he brought the mistress and pretended to look at another woman¡¯s child and sneer at her tender heart. However, the low joy of bullying his wife only made him forget the negatives for a moment.


    His own revenge on his wife only gave him a moment of pleasure as if he had taken medicine. In the end, what awaited him was more remorse, fear, and still hatred and resentment.


    ¡®If she hadn¡¯t run away, everything might have been like before by now. Honestly, I wouldn¡¯t have done this to her if she had pleaded guilty and forgiveness.¡¯


    Ezekiel, who became unstable at the drunken state, blamed Herace for running away for three years. By saying one thing over and over, he knew, he was doing the ugliest and most cowardly act in the world.


    Eventually, he cursed at himself and uttered thoughtful words dozens of times.


    ¡°¡­¡­I can¡¯t be like this.¡±


    After spitting it out, Ezekiel grinned at himself. What¡¯s the point of knowing? There is no alternative to what he had done.


    At first, when he thought it wouldn¡¯t work like this, he tried to use the excuse to let his wife have his own child and try to reverse the relationship. He thought that if he had a child with his wife, just as there was a child between Charles and his wife, he would be able to get rid of his anger toward Herace.


    But Herace flatly rejected his offer. In addition, now that his feelings for Erzen have become strange, he was not very inclined to do this.


    In an unthinkable solution, Ezekiel took out a cigar, lit it, and opened the window. The sun had disappeared and the sky was already dark. Every time he breathed deeply, the acrid smoke dispersed into the dark sky.


    Ezekiel was lost in thought, smoking a series of cigars. A total of four cigars were burned to the ground.


    The air cooled sharply after sunset. Ezekiel closed the window and tried to sit at the desk again, but when he found the ash piled up on the window frame, he stared at it.


    The light ash looked weak as if it would be easily swept away by the thin wind. If the groove of the window frame was not deep, it would have been blown away by the wind already.


    Ezekiel tapped the ash as if possessed. As soon as the finger touched it, the gray powder dispersed.


    Ezekiel, who had been staring for a long time at the spot where a small trace of ashes was left, crumpled his face. He turned around and called an aide outside.


    ¡°¡­¡­come in.¡±


    ***


    ¡°You can¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Let go! Let go!¡±


    ¡°His Excellency is now¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°I have something to say! I¡¯m Miguel¡¯s mother, I will talk to the Duke myself!¡±


    Bang!


    There was a commotion in front of the office from early morning. Ezekiel frowned at the shrill woman¡¯s scream and called one of his aides to bring in the shouting woman.


    ¡°Ezekiel!¡±


    As soon as the aide left, Charlotte grunted and opened the door. The blonde hair, which would have been rolled up gracefully, looked disorganized, and the dress was crumpled with scuffles. But Charlotte didn¡¯t have the time to care about her appearance.


    She was on the verge of going crazy with all the news that had come into her ears, so she had no time to pay attention to anything else. Charlotte approached the desk where Ezekiel was working and spoke quickly in a poisonous voice.


    ¡°There seems to be a mistake. Miguel is not the main character of the birthday banquet in the castle.¡±


    It was when the maids were preparing for a birthday banquet Charlotte realised that Miguel¡¯s birthday was coming.


    Charlotte went to the first floor, where preparations for her son¡¯s birthday banquet were in full swing, to see if it was going well. And there she went on a rampage knowing that Erzen was the main character of the banquet.


    But something really serious happened next¡­¡­.


    ¡°It was ridiculous, so I went to the old man to question him. Do you know what that old man said when I went? How dare he¡­ How dare he!¡­.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°He told me to get out of this castle! Within a week! He said that you ordered it!¡±


    Charlotte grabbed the hem of her dress roughly and stomped her feet as if she was going to tear it apart. She got angry just remembering how they behaved with her. Her face became red as if she was about to burst.


    However, Ezekiel didn¡¯t stop moving his pen despite Charlotte¡¯s words. He spoke in a calm tone, keeping his eyes on the papers.


    ¡°It¡¯s a order that was delivered exactly. What¡¯s wrong with it?¡±


    ¡°What, what?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s exactly what you heard. Get out of the castle in a week. I¡¯ve prepared the promised gold, travel expenses, and carriage for you. Go anywhere you want. I don¡¯t want you here again.¡±


    It was an insensitive tone no different from talking about the weather. Charlotte looked incredulous at Ezekiel¡¯s words, but couldn¡¯t resist hitting the desk.


    Bang!


    ¡°My son is your successor, Ezekiel! But you want me to go out? Does that make sense?¡±


    The pen shook at the force, and a random line was formed. Ezekiel narrowed his brow to the line that looked out of position.


    He put down his pen and looked at Charlotte with cold eyes. Charlotte swallowed her saliva in the cold air that reached her bones and shouted in a smaller voice than before.


    ¡°You put me here! Next to you! As the mother of your son¡­¡­ I¡¯ll¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°If, if you didn¡¯t need me, you would have thrown me away earlier. But Duke, you let me live here for a long time. Isn¡¯t that because you want me to be next to you?¡±


    Charlotte, who breathed heavily with a shaking body, was acting as if she had been betrayed by her lifelong partner. She said in a small voice as if indicating that she was not wrong with her shaking green pupils. But Ezekiel only looked at Charlotte with emotionless eyes.


    ¡°It is true that I have kept you in this castle for a long time. But I think you¡¯re mistaken for something¡­¡­ Did I promise to give you anything other than gold in our deal?¡±


    The memory buried deep down in her mind rose when Ezekiel¡¯s words came up like a splash and penetrated Charlotte¡¯s head.


    ¡°You punished me so harshly then. Why are you calling me back now?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll give you enough gold. Make a deal with me instead.¡±


    ¡°A deal¡­¡±


    ¡°I want you to be my mistress and mother to my son. There is only¡­¡­ one condition.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­condition?¡±


    How did she forget such a clear memory? She couldn¡¯t tell either.


    Charlotte¡¯s face, which remembered the conversation and situation of that night, became pale. She stared at Ezekiel as if he was a monster with a fear-filled face. At Charlotte¡¯s distorted expression, Ezekiel sighed annoyingly and grabbed the pen again.


    ¡°¡­¡­I don¡¯t think you remember the deal, but I¡¯ll give you the reward I promised. So leave the castle.¡±


    The man¡¯s eyes shifted back to the paper.

 CH 55

    Charlotte managed to support her trembling legs and took both hands to her mouth and bit her nails. She heard the sound of her teeth biting her nails, and then blood flowed. Charlotte¡¯s body shook as she shook her head roughly as the fishy taste that touched the tip of her tongue, she immediately began to yell.


    ¡°No, you¡¯re wrong! No! I¡¯m Miguel¡¯s mother!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Migel is my son whom I gave birth to with your seed!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Duke! Ezekiel! Look at me! I¡¯m the mother of your son! How can Miguel live if you throw me away like this! Just for the sake of Miguel, please¡­¡­ A child can¡¯t live without a mother!¡±


    ¡°¡­take him with you if you want. If that¡¯s what you want, I won¡¯t stop you.¡±


    Ezekiel replied in a low voice to Charlotte, who almost cried out. Charlotte, who was turned speechless at his ruthless reply, stuttered, shaking her head.


    ¡°What, what? What did you just say?¡­.¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re so anxious, take gold along with you soon and leave. If you want that, I¡¯m willing to give you enough gold to fill this room, or ten times more than that.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°But you won¡¯t be able to. Because it¡¯s not what you want in the first place.¡±


    It was true. What good would a son bring if he wasn¡¯t in this castle? The son, who had a lot of money but was rejected by his father, could not make her a Duchess.


    ¡°I don¡¯t intend to match whatever delusion you have. So leave quietly now.¡±


    Charlotte accepted the deal with Ezekiel and fell for his whispers of greed too easily. At first, she was genuinely mistaken for being pregnant with his child, but in a short time her delusion grew and it was out of control.


    From Ezekiel¡¯s point of view, it didn¡¯t matter much what Charlotte was mistaken for. But he gave her another chance at the last minute. Apart from being indifferent to Charlotte, it was clearly his responsibility for her involvement with it.


    ¡°As I¡¯ve said earlier, I will pay you enough for your hard work as promised. And¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh, how¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­It would be good for you to take gold and go far away at this point.¡±


    ¡°How could you do this to me! How can you abandon me!¡±


    Charlotte kicked away Ezekiel¡¯s first goodwill toward her. The shrill voice grew louder and louder. But the more she screamed, the clearer the memory of the day became.


    ¡°Don¡¯t expect anything but gold. That¡¯s the condition.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean¡­.?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t love you. In other words, I have nothing to care about you. I won¡¯t hold you, I won¡¯t touch you. You¡¯re just acting. A mistress favored by me enough for the Duchess to ignore.¡±


    ¡°Well, then how do we have a child? I¡¯m sure I have to be the mother of the Duke¡¯s son¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­I¡¯ll also explain it to you, who will be your son.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not a person who would be acting like your son. Usually¡­ ¡­it deserves to be called a demon or monster and things like that.¡±


    The memories buried were rich in her head, but all of them were considered false in her mind. She came this far with the affection of the man in front of her. She gave birth to a child who would be the successor to the man and be qualified to sit next to the man.


    ¡°¡­¡­that¡¯s all. My explanation ends here. You make the choice.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care if you don¡¯t like it. Because it¡¯s your only chance. Usually you may not want to get involved with that. But¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­I¡¯ll do it.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll do it. I¡¯ll do as you say. You said you¡¯d give me gold. And whatever it is, be the mother of your son. Then there will be people who serve me, right?¡±


    Charlotte clenched her teeth in the afterimage that kept coming to mind. Yes, this situation is all because¡­¡­.


    ¡°It¡¯s because of her, isn¡¯t it? Because of her! I¡¯ll kill her! I¡¯m gonna kill her and her son right now! I¡¯ll kill them both and chew them up!¡±


    It was clear who Charlotte was referring to. It was difficult to maintain her sanity in front of Ezekiel, who looked bored before Herace was mentioned.


    He pushed the chair behind and rose to his feet. The pressure of a huge man added to the atmosphere was terrifying. However, such a thing could not have come into Charlotte¡¯s view, whose reason flew away. She yelled at Ezekiel, pointing her finger at him like an animal who could not stand danger.


    ¡°How good is she? At best, she¡¯s a traitorous woman with a fair face! She¡¯s lower than me! A woman who probably opened her legs to the prisoners in prison by now! Besides, my son was born first and looks a lot more like you! So I¡¯m above her! But why is she the Duchess and I¡¯m not!¡±


    If she was in her right mind, Charlotte would have stopped. But she¡¯s half crazy now. Ezekiel¡¯s expression became more and more gloomy every time she poured out her insults to Herace. And eventually he took his hand to his waist.


    ¡°¡­¡­I didn¡¯t want to care, so I left you alone, but it was a mistake. Well, you¡¯ve done things that I didn¡¯t ask you to do over and over again. You aren¡¯t even liked by the subjects.¡±


    A sharp sword appeared with a sound. Charlotte finally came to her senses and closed her mouth after facing the cool blade of the sword. But there was no hesitation in Ezekiel¡¯s hand. The white blade made Charlotte come to her mind in an instant.


    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t come! Don¡¯t come near¡­¡­ Argh!¡±


    She was backing away from the sword, but she lost her balance on the way and collapsed. It could have been pitiful for anyone to see her shriveling with a blue face. However, Ezekiel put the tip of the sword against Charlotte¡¯s neck without any hesitation.


    ¡°Until now, I thought I needed you, but if you insult my wife any more, I will cut your throat immediately without any hesitation. Will you be decapitated and stuck in the golden crown, or will you go out quietly?¡±


    The sword close to the neck sliced the thin skin and created a red line. Charlotte changed her attitude like a coin flipping over the imminent death. She began to pray to Ezekiel, holding her breath in case the sword touched her neck for her rough breath.


    ¡°I will get out¡­ I¡¯m going to leave. I¡¯m leaving. I¡¯m leaving.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Week, I¡¯ll leave in a week, so please, get that sword away¡­¡­.¡±


    Ezekiel, who looked down at Charlotte, withdrew the sword with dry eyes. As the sword returned to its place with an arc, Charlotte breathed out her breath. Her constantly shaking eyes and rising and falling upper body showed her fear well.


    ¡°If you¡¯re done talking, get out. Tell James here as soon as you¡¯re ready. I want you to get out of the castle as soon as possible.¡±


    Ezekiel, who sat at the desk again and picked up the pen, gave a congratulatory order and gestured toward the aide standing by the door.


    ¡°Stand up.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    James, who had not moved his eyebrows even in a series of events in the room, raised Charlotte up and opened the door before pushing her forward.


    It was not an impolite move, but Charlotte clenched her fist at the unkind attitude. But she no longer had the strength or will to make a disturbance.


    When Charlotte was kicked out, Ezekiel beckoned James again. He spoke in a low voice without even looking at the approaching aide.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡­watch her thoroughly so that she won¡¯t do anything wrong.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Sire.¡±


    ***


    ¡°Erzen!¡±


    ¡°Mom!¡±


    As soon as Erzen, the small body of the child, appeared through the hole, Herace hugged him tightly. Erzen was also happy to see her, so as soon as he saw his mother, the child bounced vigorously and dug into the arms he missed. Miguel, who followed Erzen at the touching reunion, quietly watched the two.


    She was busy looking at Erzen without even noticing Miguel¡¯s presence. She didn¡¯t see her son for only a few weeks, but in her eyes, the child had changed a lot.


    ¡°Erzen, are you sick? Does anyone bother you?¡±


    With moderately fat cheeks, the clothes the child was wearing were much better than before. However, Herace was heartbroken by the shadow of sadness on her son¡¯s face.


    Erzen shook his head and smiled as if he were okay, and gently rubbed his cheek against the palm of Herace, who grabbed his face.


    ¡°I missed you, Mom. I searched for Mom a lot.¡­ Sniff.¡±


    The child was a child after all. It was also for a while that he was showing a mature look to others in case he was scolded. Erzen, who hadn¡¯t been acting like a child for a long time, burst into tears as he seemed to be emotional while talking. Herace also shed tears that she had been holding back.


    ¡°Oh, my God, Erzen. Please stop right away.¡±


    Miguel, who had been still so far, quickly approached and took Erzen off Herace and blocked his brother¡¯s mouth. Then, he looked at her and said with a troubled expression.


    ¡°As you know, we came here secretly. It¡¯s not good if the sound leaks out.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­I¡¯m sorry. I haven¡¯t even said hello yet. How have you been, Miguel?¡±


    Only then did Herace, who recognized Miguel, greet him with a shy face. Miguel showed an exaggerated face as Herace¡¯s gaze reached him.


    ¡°I¡¯m doing great, Madam.¡±


    ¡°Thank you very much. It wouldn¡¯t have been easy to bring Erzen.¡±


    ¡°No, more than that¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Mom!¡±


    When Miguel was smiling brightly and talking to Herace, Erzen shook off Miguel¡¯s hand, which was blocking his mouth, and hung on to Herace again. Herace, who was showing an awkward smile at Miguel, came to her senses and bent her knees to face Erzen.


    ¡°Yes, my Erzen.¡±


    The gesture of supporting the child was friendly. Herace swept Erzen¡¯s face with one hand, erasing the tear marks, and patted the child¡¯s back gently with the other.


    ¡°Don¡¯t cry. Huh? If Erzen cries, your Mom will be sad, too.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Erzen, who was still sniffling, shook his head and put his lips on Herace¡¯s cheek. With a squeak, the soft child¡¯s lips touched and fell. When I asked you to do it, you didn¡¯t do it and even said you were embarrassed¡­¡­. Herace smiled as she kissed her son¡¯s forehead briefly.


    ¡°Erzen won¡¯t go anywhere now. I¡¯m staying with Mom.¡±


    Before returning to the castle, he was a child who was full of curiosity and enjoyed playing. But now Erzen stuck to Herace like a baby and didn¡¯t think about falling off.


    Herace stopped breathing for a moment when she saw that his hand holding the hem of her clothes was white due to excessive force. Erzen put all his strength holding Herace to the extent that he could get hurt.


    ¡°Erzen, my dear.¡±

 CH 56

    It was when Herace, who was holding back her tears, and holding Erzen for a long time, someone tapped her on the shoulder. Herace, who had closed her eyes, opened her eyes and looked at the opponent.


    A pair of large golden pupils were just in front of her. Herace was frightened by the child¡¯s appearance who approached her without any indication and was seized with strange fear. The child¡¯s amber eyes shone purely, but the eyes that were so clear gave a rather bizarre feeling.


    [Do you need my help?]


    She remembered the voice she heard on the day she returned to the castle once again. Herace avoided Miguel¡¯s eyes at the creepy sensation as if she had seen a snake. Miguel, who saw Herace¡¯s expression, smiled quietly and said in a subtly lowered voice.


    ¡°¡­¡­We have to go back now. It¡¯s time for the teacher to wake up.¡±


    The fear she felt for a moment was scattered by the approaching breakup. Herace, who could not hide her regret, groaned and hugged Erzen even harder. But she soon relaxed her arms holding Erzen.


    She was happy to meet Erzen, but she forgot about it, Herace was also under surveillance.


    After Ezekiel¡¯s visit was cut off, the maids would enter her room several times a day for tea time or snacks. Herace knew the real purpose hidden in the eyes of the maids who did not respond to her except Helen.


    ¡®If we get caught, the chance to meet like this would be over.¡¯


    Herace managed to shake off her lingering feelings and removed Erzen from her. Holding the child¡¯s arm gently, she called her son¡¯s name to say goodbye.


    ¡°Erzen.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t wanna!¡±


    Erzen, who felt the time of parting approaching seeing his mother¡¯s expression, shouted sharply. Her eyes began to turn red again with the rising tears.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to stay with my Mom. Erzen wants to live here, too. I don¡¯t want to go back!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be nice to you. I¡¯m gonna listen to my Mom and won¡¯t cry. I will just stay quietly. So, Mom¡­¡­ Don¡¯t send Erzen, okay?¡±


    The child¡¯s expression, who was stomping his feet and complaining, was full of fear and desperation of the fact that he was going to be separated from his mother again. Herace approached him and held Erzen again, and said in a friendly but determined voice.


    ¡°Good boy Erzen, go back today and I¡¯ll see you again next time. Okay?¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯m staying with my Mom. Mom, don¡¯t throw away Erzen. Mom. Mom¡­¡­.¡±


    The child, who would have nodded reluctantly to Herace¡¯s affirmation before, was stubborn today. Erzen, who shed tears while being hugged by her, was heartbroken and Herace¡¯s eyes also reddened.


    Miguel, who was staring at Herace, unfastened his arms and went behind Erzen to grab his brother¡¯s waist. Erzen was easily dragged away, even though the force was not strong. Herace felt like she was being robbed of Erzen in that moment, so she almost gave her hand strength without realizing it.


    ¡°Erzen, what did you promise to your brother?¡±


    ¡°We will go, but if I resist coming back, I can¡¯t see my Mom¡­¡­.¡±


    Erzen, who was caught by Miguel, bowed his head while hesitating. Miguel stroked Erzen¡¯s head, held his hand, and moved away from Herace.


    ¡°Well, let¡¯s say goodbye and go. We¡¯ll be back next time, Madam.¡±


    ¡°Mommy, see you next time.¡±


    The disappointment on the child¡¯s face remained the same, but Erzen obeyed Miguel¡¯s words. Herace smiled more and more brightly on purpose and said goodbye.


    ¡°Yes, Erzen. Go ahead.¡±


    Erzen faltered for the last time in front of the dog hole. Herace soothed the child by kissing Erzen¡¯s forehead goodbye.


    ¡°Your Mom will be here, so as you said, you can come again next time. Okay? And Miguel¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Madam.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­Your brother, take good care of Erzen. Please.¡±


    Calling Miguel Erzen¡¯s older brother was not usually easy for Herace either. But there weren¡¯t many people she could ask for taking care of her son. Herace held out her hand to Miguel, ashamed of her selfish heart, so she asked for it.


    ¡°Is that what you want?¡±


    Miguel held Herace¡¯s hand tighter as he stared. More power came out of the hands of a child slightly larger than Erzen smaller than adults.


    Herace frowned at the pain of the slowly tightening hands. Then Miguel raised the corners of his mouth and smiled, and let go of her hand at once and leaned over.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, Erzen.¡±


    Erzen left the hole first at Miguel¡¯s urging, followed by Miguel. Herace remembered Erzen, who had been in a strange mood as before, and then left, and touched the wall. She could hear the children running through the bushes over the wall.


    ¡®It¡¯s probably beyond here.¡¯


    Herace stood there for a long time even after the children disappeared. Until the sun set and the maid who brought dinner found her.


    ***


    The room was so dark that one could barely tell the shape of things. The colorful furniture and all kinds of luxuries that would have been beautiful if they were a little brighter looked bizarre in the dark.


    Miguel was not afraid of the dark, unlike his age. He looked everywhere and found the woman sitting under the bed. He approached the crouching woman slowly.


    The woman, who had her face buried in her knees, raised her head when she heard someone coming nearby. The long blonde hair was split on both sides, revealing a gaunt face. Charlotte asked when she saw Miguel looking down at her.


    ¡°¡­¡­where have you been?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve become like this, and you¡­¡­ Where have you been, my son?¡±


    The feeble voice was full of despair. Miguel smiled as he couldn¡¯t even show his anger like before, and crouched in front of the woman and looked at her. The child¡¯s red lips went up cheekily.


    ¡°I met Erzen and the Duchess.¡±


    The focus slowly returned to Charlotte¡¯s blank eyes. She muttered several times that she was the Duchess and took a ring from her finger as if she had realized something.


    ¡°Mi, Miguel, you can see her and her son, right?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Oh, my God, my baby. My son. Then do me a favor, will you?¡±


    She gripped the child¡¯s tender arm with her rakey left hand. Then she held out the ring on the right palm. The black jewels in the ring twinkled on the pale palms of the dark room.


    ¡°Take this and feed it to her and her son! Let them vomit blood and die in the pain like tearing their bodies apart while suffering like me as I¡¯m now.¡±


    Miguel smiled and picked up the ring and waved it around. He could see the liquid in the black gem.


    Miguel shook the ring a couple more times as if he was amazed, and soon looked sour as if he had lost interest. The ring in the child¡¯s hand fell back into Charlotte¡¯s palm. Miguel shook his head and said,


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to.¡±


    Charlotte¡¯s eyes were blank at her son¡¯s plain refusal. Then who will kill them? If it¡¯s not you, who? I don¡¯t even see her son in the same building, let alone the woman in the annex!


    Charlotte remembered the knights that appeared out of nowhere just as she looked at Erzen. Their eyes were cold and alert. She found the gaze unbearable. She felt despised because she became a lowly woman like before.


    ¡°You! Can¡¯t you see what¡¯s going on? I and your place are in danger! They¡¯ll take our place!¡±


    Charlotte shook Miguel roughly. The child¡¯s small body shook helplessly at his mother¡¯s shaking and collapsed back. Thanks to this, the child who fell on his buttocks had to look up at Charlotte. Although Charlotte was the one who did it, embarrassed, she approached Miguel with a knee step and lowered her voice.


    ¡°Hey, I can¡¯t back away like this. How did you get there¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t make that face. What will happen to you if I¡¯m kicked out? The nobles are not merciful to illegitimate children. That¡¯s why I¡¯m doing this. For your sake! To make you a Duke, my son!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°So Miguel, listen to this mother. Take it with you¡­¡­.¡±


    Miguel slightly pushed Charlotte¡¯s hand away and raised himself. The child¡¯s eyes looking down at Charlotte were as cool as looking at a toy that he had already lost interest.


    ¡°I said it a while ago, I don¡¯t want to. I can¡¯t do my mother any favor.¡±


    There was injustice shown in Charlotte¡¯s rusty eyes when she realized that he would never do her favor. Frustrated, she looked up at her son¡¯s face and asked him silently why he was doing this to her. Miguel answered his mother¡¯s question gently.


    ¡°The Duchess personally asked me to do it. She told me to take good care of Erzen. And I like the Duchess better than my mother. So I want to prioritize her request.¡±


    Charlotte¡¯s eyes grew bigger when she heard the answer. She trembled at the face of an incredible fact.


    ¡°Why are you taking her side, not your mother?¡±


    Miguel smiled beautifully when he saw Charlotte¡¯s expression. The child continued innocently while looking at the innocent mother¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°The Duchess is much better than my mother in every way. Appearance, personality¡­¡­. She is a noble woman in every way. Unlike someone. My mother can¡¯t be like her no matter what she wears or what she does.¡±


    Each word that came out differently from the friendly way of saying it stabbed Charlotte at the bottom. Charlotte shook her head and tore her nails off.


    ¡°¡­¡­no.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°No! No!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­I¡¯m a good boy, so I¡¯m going to bed now. And my mother should go to bed, too.¡±


    Miguel turned away from the mother at the verge of a seizure. Behind the child¡¯s back came a continuous scream.


    ¡°Yo, Young Master¡­¡­.¡±


    In front of Miguel, who opened the door, Charlotte¡¯s maid Lily appeared. She looked fearfully at the figure and fell down on her knees before Miguel.


    ¡°Ma, Madam, so¡­¡­.¡±


    Rumors of Charlotte being kicked out have already become a fait accompli and have spread throughout the castle. The people who had been suffering from Charlotte were eagerly waiting for her deportation.


    And there was one more opponent that the maids were determined to take revenge on. It was Lily. She acted as Charlotte¡¯s frontman and was hated by many people in the castle.


    ***

 CH 57

    ¡°If Madam leaves, please help me. I can¡¯t be kicked out like this.¡±


    Even the butler didn¡¯t like Lily. If Charlotte is kicked out like this, she will also be forced out of here in the near future. There may be an option to work in the kitchen or laundry room, but she didn¡¯t want it even if it was possible. Why did she bother others while staying on Charlotte¡¯s side in the first place? Lily was desperate for money.


    ¡°I have a brother the size of the Young Master and a sick mother.¡±


    Lily wondered what power an illegitimate child has in the situation where the mother is kicked out. Maids in the castle could not treat Miguel recklessly. The child had an atmosphere that was as daunting as his father.


    Miguel looked at Lily and folded his eyes in half. The child reached out and lightly touched Lily¡¯s forehead.


    ¡°All right, Lily. I won¡¯t let you get kicked out. But you have to make a promise instead, okay?¡±


    ¡°Well, anything.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not fun like this, so you¡­¡­.¡±


    Lily¡¯s eyes slowly blurred, as Miguel brushed past her.


    ¡°¡­¡­help my mother with all your heart. You have to do whatever she tells you to do. Got it?¡±


    ***


    Herace walked outside and looked at the shrub with nervous eyes. Far from seeing Erzen, it¡¯s been days since she heard about him.


    Helen, who occasionally brought meals and delivered Erzen¡¯s news, did not appear at all these days. And Miguel, who often came without Erzen, did not come. In case something happened to Erzen, Herace couldn¡¯t even leave the place and search for her son.


    ¡°What are you doing out here?¡±


    How long was he standing like that? The man¡¯s sudden voice was heard from behind as if a beast hiding in the bushes was ready to leap out. Herace flinched like a child caught doing something bad as she clasped her hands close to her chest.


    ¡°¡­¡­Long time no see.¡±


    Herace released her hand and turned slowly. She could tell who the owner of the voice was just by listening. Herace, who managed to hide her trembling hands, bowed her head to avoid Ezekiel¡¯s gaze. Then the man¡¯s shoes seemed to get closer, and a large shadow completely covered her.


    Soon Ezekael reached out and grabbed Herace¡¯s face and slowly raised it. Tension-filled blue eyes met golden sparkling eyes.


    ¡°¡­¡­I heard you come here often.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a place where I can see the sky properly.¡±


    Worries about Erzen came out in pointed words. Ezekiel¡¯s brow crumpled with Herace¡¯s reproachful tone. He tightened his grip and pulled his wife¡¯s face toward him.


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t change anything. You made your choice. You¡¯ll stay here instead of having children with me.¡±


    ¡°Choice? Is that what you call a choice?¡±¡±


    ¡°I gave you a chance. If you wanted to go out, you could have.¡±


    Herace stared at Ezekiel without hiding her expression of absurdity. However, Ezekiel slowly took off his hand as he faced Herace with a calm face. A cold silence filled the distance between the two. Ezekiel, who hesitated for a while, soon lowered his eyes and said.


    ¡°¡­¡­Tell me whenever you change your mind. It¡¯s your son¡¯s birthday in a week. I¡¯m sure you know that.¡±


    Her eyes were filled with surprise. She could never forget it, but the man in front of her had no affection for Erzen. Even so, it was him who mentioned Erzen¡¯s birthday first. Herace looked at Ezekiel with suspicious eyes and nodded slowly.


    ¡°I know¡­ I do.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m thinking of holding a small banquet that day. Only me, the Knights, and the employees of the castle were invited.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°I think I need to prepare a gift¡­¡­ The kid wants to see you the most. You won¡¯t be invited to the banquet because you have to abide by the rules. But after the banquet, the child will come and spend half a day with you.¡±


    Her eyes have grown to the limit this time. Surprised, she stiffened up as if time had stopped and asked Ezekiel for an answer with her eyes. Why are you doing this all of a sudden?


    Ezekiel turned his head sideways to avoid Herace¡¯s gaze. He moistened his dry lips and answered after a long time.


    ¡°Your son¡­¡­ He asked me if I was his father.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°I said yes.¡±


    Herace, who was breathing heavily, gasped and held her breath. Ezekiel quietly poured out his unscheduled excuses because he didn¡¯t have the courage to see Herace¡¯s face.


    ¡°¡­¡­don¡¯t be mistaken. I¡¯m not doing that because I believe you. I said I¡¯d raise him as Serpence¡¯s blood. So it¡¯s a matter of course.¡±


    After uttering the sentence, regret poured in. He looked at his wife with a sidelong glance and clenched his fists. As expected, the blue eyes were filled with tears and negative emotions such as hate, resentment, and sadness.


    Why such eyes?


    Ezekiel, who couldn¡¯t control his emotional feelings even though he expected it, turned his face toward Herace and grabbed her shoulder.


    ¡°No, I think I have told you, Herace. It¡¯s clear that you¡¯ve committed a sin.¡±


    Her shoulders must hurt a lot, but Herace did not groan once. However, she only stared at Ezekiel with an empty gaze and pursed her lips tightly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look at me like that.¡±


    Ezekiel let out a long sigh and let go of Herace¡¯s shoulder and stepped closer to her. The man¡¯s palm touched her cool cheek, and he tucked the flowing hair behind her ears.


    ¡°¡­¡­I can¡¯t easily forgive you for deceiving me. But it won¡¯t work like this. I can¡¯t live like this forever. You, me, and.¡­ Erzen, too.¡±


    Last time Ezekiel thought a lot. However, it was self-evident that no matter what emotions he recalled, he could not leave his relationship with Herace as it was.


    Besides, Erzen, that child¡­¡­, Maybe it was the child who he thought was only the product of the sin committed by his wife or maybe because he looked like his wife or it could also be because he asked him if he was his father. He could not explain it, but felt strange feelings and guilt towards the child. So Ezekiel realised that he had no choice but to forget everything and forgive his wife.


    ¡°I intend to cover up everything. Your denial, your escape. I¡¯ll try to stay the same as before as soon as possible. Erzen will be treated like my son. But instead¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­you try, too. Even half of what I¡¯m trying to do, try to¡­¡­.¡±


    Love me.


    The words he couldn¡¯t say came up to his throat and swallowed.


    But Ezekiel was fine though. After showing mercy to his wife, his frustration was half gone. This was enough. It was the relationship that he made that way from the beginning. In terms of the feelings of his heart, he thought and thought to himself that since he had always been the weaker one, it was right to lose.


    Unlike Ezekiel, whose eyes were much calmer, Herace¡¯s eyes had turned redder in the meantime. Ezekiel¡¯s nose was deeply wrinkled by the tears that seemed to fall at any moment. Herace clasped the clothes around Ezekiel¡¯s chest. And she spoke slowly by putting strength on each syllable.


    ¡°I won¡¯t say anything much. Anyway¡­ What¡¯s the point of saying something useless? But I must say one thing. Or I¡¯ll go crazy because I can¡¯t stand it.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want you to forget everything you¡¯ve said to me so far, Ezekiel. No, I want you to remember it forever, and one day you¡¯ll have to¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­I hope you feel ashamed and regret it.¡±


    After talking, Herace relaxed her hands. Her cheeks were swollen with tears. Ezekiel frowned at his wife¡¯s wet face and held onto Herace, who was trying to take a step back from him.


    His wife, who he thought would rebel, stayed obediently at his touch. Ezekiel hugged Herace in her arms and made her white forehead lean on his chest. He could feel the dampness of his shirt along with the suppressed sobbing. He put his hand on his wife¡¯s long hair and opened his mouth.


    ¡°¡­Don¡¯t cry, damn it.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Please¡­¡­don¡¯t cry, Herace.¡±


    The cry faded away. However, the woman¡¯s shaking body and the man¡¯s shaking hands remained in place for a long time.


    ***


    ¡°The monster tried to swallow Jack¡¯s mother at once. Then the brave Jack came out to kill the monster¡­¡­ Erzen, are you sleepy?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Brother Miguel. I¡¯m sleepy. I¡¯m going to sleep now.¡±


    ¡°Yes. Sleep now. I¡¯ll cover you with a blanket.¡±


    Erzen lay on the bed rubbing his eyes. Miguel covered him with a blanket, sat at his bedside, looked down at Ergen, and asked.


    ¡°Tomorrow is your birthday. Are you excited?¡±


    ¡°Yes. I¡¯m getting a year older. I will grow up fast and defeat the monster like the brave Jack.¡±


    Although he said so, Erzen pulled the blanket up to his nose as if he were scared. And he asked Miguel back, as if he was trying to forget about the monster.


    ¡°When is your birthday?¡±


    ¡°Me? Well¡­¡­ earlier than you, Erzen.¡±


    ¡°I haven¡¯t seen you blow out the candles on the cake. Did you do it before you met me?¡±


    Erzen¡¯s birthday was a day to blow candles while eating cake for him. Miguel frowned awkwardly at Erzen¡¯s question and whispered quietly as if telling a secret.


    ¡°I can¡¯t blow out candles on my birthday this year. Unlike you, I¡¯m an illegitimate child. Now that the Duchess is back, it¡¯s customary for illegitimate children to stay quiet.¡±


    ¡°An illegitimate child?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to know the meaning of the word yet, Erzen.¡±


    You and I are similar! Why do you treat me like a baby? Erzen muttered in a moment of unhappiness at Miguel¡¯s words. But he couldn¡¯t understand why you couldn¡¯t even blow candles on his birthday. Erzen felt sorry for Miguel.


    ¡°Illegitimate child¡­ I don¡¯t know what it is, but it¡¯s a pity that Brother can¡¯t blow out the candles on his birthday. But you can still eat the cake, right?¡±


    ¡°No. I can¡¯t even eat cake. Nothing is prepared for me.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t even eat cake? My mom always puts red fruit on the round cake¡­¡­. I heard that on your birthday, you have to eat it so that the devil can¡¯t hurt you.¡±


    ¡°Well¡­¡­that¡¯s a lie, Erzen.¡±


    ¡°No! My mom said that. If you eat red fruits, the devil will run away.¡±


    The red fruit Erzen referred to was roseberry, which was originally a precious fruit that was only the size of a walnut grain per tree, and was only available for harvest in late spring.


    Nevertheless, the people of Empire ate roseberry berries preserved in sugar or honey on its birthday. This is because there has been a myth from a long time ago that eating roseberry fruit on birthdays can drive away demons and bring good health.


    ***

 CH 58

    Miguel lowered his head deeper to look at Erzen¡¯s blue eyes, which sincerely pitied him. Erzen opened his eyes wide at the sudden close distance. However, the innocent face still held only good feelings, and there was no vigilance or fear. Miguel asked with a chilly smile.


    ¡°¡­Erzen, do you feel sorry for me? Really?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. It¡¯s pitiful that Brother can¡¯t eat cake on his birthday. But don¡¯t worry, Brother Miguel. I¡¯ll share the cake with you tomorrow. I like you, so I¡¯ll give you half the red fruit.¡±


    The smile on Miguel¡¯s face deepened in Erzen¡¯s answer. The child spoke slowly, staring into his brother¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to give me cake or roseberry fruit, Erzen. Instead, can you give me something else?¡±


    A chilly wind blew when Erzen was about to nod. Erzen turned to the window in the sudden chilly wind. Contrary to expectations, the curtain of the window did not move at all. Instead, a strange shadow with sharp teeth formed on the light made by the moon and disappeared in an instant.


    Erzen shrank his neck seeing the shadow that disappeared while he just blinked once. Even though he thought he saw it wrong, he thought it looked like the monster of the fairy tale book that Miguel read a while ago. Miguel narrowed his eyes as he watched Erzen shivering.


    ¡°You only have to give one of the things you have¡­¡­.¡±


    Frightened, Erzen nodded his head at Miguel¡¯s urging voice. What if he can¡¯t give it to him?


    ¡°Wait Brother¡­¡­. Can I give it to you tomorrow?¡±


    Miguel¡¯s face looked a little surprised. But he soon got out of bed with a quick look on his face. And before he left, he asked Erzen for the last time.


    ¡°Really? Then I¡¯ll tell you next time, Erzen. The Roseberry¡­¡­, Do you like the red fruits?¡±


    ***


    The castle has been busy since dawn for the first time in a long time. The maids were busy cleaning and decorating the small banquet hall, and the chef¡¯s hands were not resting in the kitchen because they were making colorful desserts and various foods that children would like.


    However, despite the busyness, the maids¡¯ mouths moved as fast as their hands and feet. Bella and Jean, who were in charge of kitchen chores, were one of them. They did not stop chatting while cleaning the dishes hard. Mrs. Mary, the chef¡¯s wife and the one in charge of the kitchen, glared at them from time to time, but it was not easy to block the mouths of curious young maids.


    ¡°Is this something to be changed at once? Of course, the name of a country can change overnight. But even so, how could it change like this¡­¡­.¡±


    Bella, who was wiping a fork, whispered to Jean as soon as Mrs. Mary passed by.


    She had no doubt that Miguel would be Ezekiel¡¯s successor so far. Miguel, who resembled his father¡¯s appearance, was treated more highly than Erzen from birth. And although his mother¡¯s origin was humble, he was smart enough to be respected by everyone.


    Recently, however, rumors have spread throughout the castle that Miguel¡¯s mother, Charlotte, will soon be kicked out. And as proof of it, Charlotte¡¯s room was moved from the third floor of the castle to the first floor. And on the same day Erzen moved from the corner of the castle to the Duchess¡¯ room.


    Location of the changed room and birthday banquet for Erzen only. It was obvious where the owner¡¯s heart was tilted. Jean put down the plate she just wiped and snorted as if she were satisfied.


    ¡°Hmph! I¡¯ve endured it for a long time. I was so angry when she told me that I was a dirtbag that wiped the floor from the moment I was born!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. I¡¯m glad she¡¯s kicked out now. What if she really became a Duchess? When Master Miguel was born, she was flaunting a lot.¡±


    ¡°That time, too. It only takes a moment for a man to change his mind. It¡¯s not our business that Master is abandoning the mistress he had cherished so much. I think Master Miguel is going to be kicked out, too¡­¡­. I wonder why Master Erzen is staying in the Duchess¡¯ room.¡±


    ¡°Oh, no way¡­¡­Even so, doesn¡¯t he (Miguel) resemble the Master most?¡±


    Despite the sudden whims of the owner, most of the maids, like Bella and Jean, welcomed and ridiculed Charlotte¡¯s fall, rather than sympathizing with her. They didn¡¯t forget that Charlotte bullied them, insulting them for being vulgar.


    ¡°His Majesty the late Emperor sliced his mistress¡¯ neck the moment his son was born, but he kept his son by his side. Right! His son is guilty of treason¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Quiet! The Duchess¡¯ family is also involved in it¡­¡­. Can¡¯t you see how Master treats Young Master Erzen? Do you think if you say anything that hurts the Duchess¡¯ reputation, your situation won¡¯t be as bad as before?¡±


    When Jean spoke of the rebellion of the Marquis Pegato, who had caused a bloodbath, Bella freaked out and blocked her friend¡¯s mouth. Their Master, Ezekiel, had an obvious mind, so it was better not to say anything disparaging about Herace. Jean also realized her mistake at the reaction of her friend and lowered her voice.


    ¡°Oh! That¡¯s right. This mouth of mine is lousy.¡±


    ¡°Be careful. Or we¡¯ll be kicked out for talking like this.¡±


    ¡°All right. All right. If things go on like that, Ben won¡¯t be able to sleep with her. Don¡¯t you think so?¡±


    Jean, who gave Bella an apologetic look, turned around. Bella glanced at her friend for a moment, wiped the dishes again, and opened her mouth as if she couldn¡¯t help it.


    ¡°They keep saying that the Duchess is a daughter of a sinner and ought to be kicked out¡­ It seems like Ben hasn¡¯t come to his senses as he keeps making a racket about how she doesn¡¯t deserve the treatment in the annex, but he¡¯ll get into big trouble like that.¡±


    ¡°My investigation isn¡¯t going smoothly because of what happened with Amy. I don¡¯t understand why Ben was head over heels for Amy.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s so good about a rude girl that sneaked into the bathroom and tried to seduce the Duke¡­ If he liked Amy that much, he should have left with her when she was kicked out with a broken arm.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s funny that Master hates his wife for nothing. He¡¯s the one who made her run away. Why is he blaming his wife now? She can¡¯t even raise her head in front of the Duke¡­¡­ Tsk!¡±


    ¡°Never mind. That should be the end of it. I¡¯m satisfied that the dirty woman got kicked out. So will Ben. But Jean, what will you do after Lily leaves the castle?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll all go out together and teach Lily, that bitch a lesson. We¡¯ll see if she can raise her head high after she¡¯s kicked out. I¡¯m gonna rip that head off.¡±


    The conversation between the two, who imagined Charlotte being kicked out, gradually became rough. They gnashed their teeth thinking of Lily, the same as Charlotte, who bullied them while being Charlotte¡¯s dog.


    ¡°Do you think I¡¯m only going to rip her head? I¡¯m going to use this hand to¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Jean! Bella! Can¡¯t you stop talking and move fast? You both need to be scolded from time to time to get your work done faster!¡±


    But their chatter didn¡¯t go any further. It was because Mrs. Mary, who returned to the kitchen, shouted behind the two.


    Jean and Bella moved their hands faster while bowing their heads to their chests. Mrs. Mary was standing behind them with her arms crossed, as if they were not trusted, so she instructed them to not make any more noise.


    ¡°Be careful you two there! You¡¯ll be in big trouble if someone else hears it!¡±


    ¡°The ribbon is tilted to the left. Put it back again. Quick!¡±


    Thus, Erzen¡¯s birthday preparations proceeded step by step. Before they knew it, the well-decorated hall was filled with cakes filled with precious roseberries, and the surroundings were filled with delicious food one after another.


    The maids finally put the tableware on the table with excited expression. Today¡¯s banquet was to be attended by the knights of the castle and them as guests instead of the distinguished guests.


    ¡°Is everything ready?¡±


    Finally, all the preparations were completed, and the door to the banquet hall opened. Ezekiel entered the hall, on his right was Erzen, the main character of today¡¯s banquet.


    ¡°Yes, everything is ready, My Lord.¡±


    The old butler¡¯s face was full of laughter after a long time. He made a look of anticipation toward Erzen, proudly displaying the cutely decorated hall. It was a pure intention that he wanted the child to like it.


    Despite the unusual old butler¡¯s pleasant voice, Ezekiel looked at the inside of the hall with grave eyes. The hall was too colorful in his eyes, perhaps because he ordered the maids to decorate it according to the child¡¯s taste.


    However, Erzen, the main character, seemed to be as quiet as the hall. Because the child was busy looking around the hall with his mouth open.


    ¡®¡­¡­if you like it, that¡¯s all.¡¯


    Ezekiel, who was very happy by Erzen¡¯s expression, bowed down and hugged Erzen, who was in the middle of looking at the hall. And then he headed right in front of the cake in the center.


    ¡°It looks good.¡±


    A triple cake full of roseberries was sitting on top of a cutely decorated table. Roseberry boasted a refreshing surface, and the thick cream evoked a desire to dip a finger in it at any moment.


    The small compliment made the chef look thrilled. Ezekiel recalled Charlize¡¯s birthday banquet, which he saw while hiding in the garden as a child and peeped through the window, leaving the chef¡¯s expression behind. The current cake was as shiny as the cake that caught his eye at that time. At that time, he remembered the bitter taste that was hovering in his mouth. Ezekiel fixed Erzen and looked at the child¡¯s expression.


    Contrary to his expectations, Erzen¡¯s face was pale and looked scared. In addition, his body was shaking. The tremor was conveyed not only to Ezekiel¡¯s hands holding the child, but also to his arms and body.


    It was not the behavior that a child should show on his birthday. Ezekiel was thinking about what the problem was, narrowing his brows, he noticed Erzen glancing down. The child was frightened by the height. Thinking of it, Ezekiel sat Erzen in the chair prepared for the main character right in front of the cake.


    But Erzen¡¯s expression was still dark, and he looked terrified. The child, whose shoulders were sharply shaking, closed his eyes tightly as if he would not look at the cake. Not only Ezekiel but also people around him noticed that the child was reluctant to eat the cake and decided to speak.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? You don¡¯t like the cake?¡±


    When Ezekiel asked Erzen, the chef¡¯s face turned white as if he was about to cry. It was a cake that he conceived and baked with all his might while reducing sleep day and night.


    ¡°He said I shouldn¡¯t eat it.¡±


    Erzen answered in a shaking voice with his eyes open.


    The child¡¯s answer was difficult to understand. They couldn¡¯t understand why he shouldn¡¯t eat it. Surely this means that someone threatened Erzen not to eat the cake. Ezekiel¡¯s expression hardened at Erzen¡¯s blue eyes shaking in all directions.


    ***

 CH 59

    ¡°What does that mean?¡±


    Ezekiel¡¯s voice dropped sharply. His dangerous spirit gave the child a hiccup. The old butler asked Erzen in a calm voice instead of Ezekiel.


    ¡°Young Master, this cake is specially prepared for your birthday. But what do you mean you can¡¯t eat it? Who dares to say such a thing?¡±


    ¡°If you eat this¡­¡­ He, he said I¡¯d never see my Mom if I ate this.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I want to see my mother¡­¡­ I¡¯m sure Mom misses Erzen, too. Heuaang!¡±


    Erzen eventually burst into tears. The cry of the sad child was evidence that he wasn¡¯t lying. When Herace was mentioned, Ezekiel turned the chair to the side and looked into Erzen¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Who said that?¡±


    ¡°Mom, ahhh!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t cry. Who told you that, Erzen?¡±


    The shining gold orbs were filled with anger. However, Ezekiel suppressed his emotions and wiped Erzen¡¯s tears with slow gestures and waited for the child¡¯s answer. Erzen stopped crying after a long time and answered with a shiver.


    ¡°Bro¡­ Mi¡­ Miguel¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Young Master Miguel¡­ Heuk¡­¡­sure enough. Haa.¡±


    When an unexpected name came out, everyone¡¯s expression changed. Most were surprised, but life began to flow from Ezekiel¡¯s face.


    In a space where only silence flowed, Ezekiel suddenly felt a certain gaze and turned his head slightly. A child who looked just like him at that time who peeped at Charles¡¯ birthday banquet was grinning and laughing at him from the window. A long tongue came out through the red lips and quickly disappeared.


    The grinding of his teeth sounded fierce, and Ezekiel straightened his bent back. He held the crying Erzen roughly and ordered the old butler as if chewing every words.


    ¡°¡­¡­do a thorough investigation.¡±


    ¡°Yes, what¡­.¡±


    ¡°Investigate to see if there¡¯s anything wrong with this cake. Now!¡±


    Erzen stiffened when a roar burst out of his mouth. Ezekiel called Erzen¡¯s nanny and handed over the child and ordered her to stay in the corner of the banquet hall. Looking at Erzen¡¯s condition, he had to send him up to the room, but right now, he was even anxious that Erzen would disappear from his eyes.


    Some maids¡¯ feet became busy with the brutal nature of the owner. Edgar and other knights at the table felt unusual and were wary of the surroundings.


    The doctor, who was called soon, looked around the cake and inserted long iron needles made of silver here and there. The cake, which was poked roughly, was quickly destroyed. However, unlike what was done, the iron needles didn¡¯t lose their colour.


    The doctor, who was tilting his head amid people¡¯s relief and despondency, took out a small box and cut some roseberries and cakes into it.


    Squeak¡­ Squeak! Squeak!


    Everyone guessed what kind of creature was in the box just by the busy footsteps and squeaking cries. Ezekiel stared at the wooden box.


    Squeak! Squeak! Squeak, squeak! Squeak!


    The wooden box, which seemed to have no problem for a long time, suddenly began to rattle. The mouse inside was jumping so roughly that the box was shaking. People turned pale at the unusual sound. And soon¡­.


    Squeak¡­


    The wooden box became quiet with the creature¡¯s final breath.


    ¡°Open it.¡±


    When Ezekiel gritted out a short order, the doctor opened the lid with a trembling hand. The people who looked inside stepped back, gasping and breathing heavily. In the box, a mouse had died terribly, vomiting black blood.


    No one would have believed that the mouse had just been alive if it hadn¡¯t had a slightly twitching back foot and a long tail. The doctor barely opened his mouth without controlling his trembling voice.


    ¡°Po, poison.¡±


    ***


    ¡°Let go of me! Let go of me!


    Sturdy servants dragged the struggling Charlotte out. All people¡¯s attention was focused on the sunny weather and the scene that did not match.


    ¡°Do you know who I am? I¡¯m Miguel¡¯s mother! Do you think you¡¯ll get away with this!¡±


    Charlotte screamed loudly as she was dragged barefoot down the long stairs without a maid. The servants walked fast, keeping their rigid faces even at her words. As they came down the stairs, they saw a fancy carriage and several knights waiting outside. And in front of them stood a man with silver hair.


    The servants went straight to their master. Charlotte, who was screaming and twisting, stiffened up when she saw Ezekiel, and soon made a pitiful expression. When Ezekiel signalled to his servants, they put Charlotte down.


    ¡°E, Ezekiel! Duke!¡±


    As soon as Charlotte was released, she cried and clung to Ezekiel¡¯s feet. Thanks to this, the skirt was swept and wrinkled on the floor, but Charlotte looked up at Ezekiel without paying attention and shook her head like crazy.


    ¡°I, I didn¡¯t do that.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Trust me, Ezekiel. I didn¡¯t¡­¡­.¡±


    Charlotte said no, but both psychological and physical evidence pointed to her.


    The investigation found that someone poisoned the glass jar in which roseberries were marinated to decorate the cake. And there was a witness who saw Charlotte¡¯s maid Lily hanging around near the glass jar.


    Ezekiel ordered them to search Charlotte¡¯s room straight away. At the owner¡¯s order, the servants soon brought a small bottle and a ring of Charlotte hidden in the dressing table. And there was something like poison in it that almost hurt Erzen.


    ¡°Do you have something to say?¡±


    Ezekiel spread his palm in front of Charlotte. Charlotte¡¯s face turned white with the appearance of familiar bottles and rings. However, she bit her lips until she soon bled and made an expression of resentment.


    ¡°No!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Think about it, Ezekiel. If he died, I¡¯d be the criminal as I am now. How could I do that? I¡¯m not!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯m sure someone is setting me up! Yeah, it¡¯s her. She came back to take my place, and she used her own child¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Shut that mouth.¡±


    When Herace was mentioned, Ezekiel recited fiercely. He tore off the Charlotte hanging from his feet at once.


    ¡°Argh!¡±


    ¡°I would have made it clear. I will no longer overlook your delusion.¡±


    Ezekiel looked down at Charlotte, who sat on the floor, and threw the bottle in his hand on the floor. The bottle that hit the stone tiles broke in an instant and black liquid poured out.


    Chiiiik.


    As soon as the black liquid spilled, it turned into a transparent color and soaked the tiles. And soon the smoke rose, and the hard stone tiles dented. Ezekiel said with a cool look after throwing the ring to the floor and breaking it.


    ¡°It was a few years ago that I got this. And you¡­.¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­You headed to the annex like that?¡±


    Charlotte was wearing the maid¡¯s attire instead of her usual fancy dress.


    As Ezekiel scanned her outfit, Charlotte shuddered and took her nails to her mouth. She couldn¡¯t think of any excuse for her dress. As Ezekiel expected, Charlotte switched to a maid¡¯s clothes to meet Herace secretly.


    ¡®Uh, where did I start?¡¯


    She mixed poison in the cake the child was about to eat. She just went to inform the woman of the fact, and give her the same poison while watching her suffer. She was a woman who cared so much for her child that she would have drank poison unhesitatingly. She didn¡¯t have to drink obediently. She (Charlotte) was going to force the poison in her mouth somehow.


    ¡®It was definitely perfect, but why¡­¡­.¡¯


    Is it because Lily, the maid who was distancing herself when it was confirmed that she would be kicked out, suddenly said she would help with anything? It was definitely a plan that she thought was perfect until it was implemented. But looking at it now, everything was sloppy.


    ¡®This isn¡¯t it¡­¡­ Things shouldn¡¯t be like this.¡¯


    No, in fact, she was confident that even if she was caught, this man would be forced to overlook it if she killed the woman and the child. Miguel would be the only heir left. She was confident that Miguel would help his mother, who can¡¯t help herself.


    ¡®Yes, I have Miguel, smart and intelligent. He¡¯s a son who¡¯s better than that woman¡¯s son. He¡¯ll make me the Duchess. He¡¯ll give me everything I deserve. So if I just hang in there¡­¡­.¡¯


    Charlotte, who recalled Miguel, imagined what she would be in her hands in the future. When she thought of her son, everything seemed to be solved as always.


    She grinned and approached Ezekiel on her knees. There were so many things she would have if she overcame this crisis. She couldn¡¯t have been accused like this.


    ¡°Ezeki¡­¡±


    But the moment she looked into Ezekiel¡¯s eyes, she couldn¡¯t say anything. The man looked at her with contemptuous eyes as if she were a worm. It was Charlotte¡¯s least favorite gaze. Indifferent eyes to her as if she¡¯s the world¡¯s dirtiest thing.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to say any more.¡±


    Charlotte hardened as Ezekiel turned his back. But at that moment, they heard a middle-aged woman¡¯s worried tone.


    ¡°Yo, Young Master!¡±


    ¡°Father!¡±


    At the same time as Ezekiel¡¯s face crumpled, the child ran and clung to him. Ezekiel roughly pushed the child with eyes and hair the same color as him away. Miguel¡¯s nanny sat down on the dirt floor and gasped for breath.


    Miguel jumped up, shook off his clothes, and approached Ezekiel again. The child dropped tears with a pitiful face, but whispered in a joyful voice so that only Ezekiel could hear it.


    ¡°Kill her.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°She dared to hurt her. So kill her now. That¡¯s the right choice.¡±


    In Ezekiel¡¯s eyes looking down at Miguel, there was a hatred and contempt that could not be compared to when he was looking at Charlotte. Ezekiel, who was fiddling with the handle of the sword hanging from his waist, took his hand off and said after a long time.


    ¡°No, I won¡¯t kill her. I won¡¯t play with you anymore.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­You might regret it someday, Father.¡±


    Miguel, who whispered like that, turned and ran to Charlotte. Charlotte shouted to Ezekiel, holding Miguel tightly in her arms.


    ¡°Yes! I¡¯m the mother of this child, Ezekiel. I¡¯m the mother of your heir!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­ keep my word. You¡¯ll be out of this castle with gold. Anything else. Burn them.¡±


    At the order of Ezekiel, the servants separated Charlotte and Miguel. They both struggled to hold each other as if they were not going to break up, and soon fell back.


    ¡°Let go of me! Miguel! Miguel! Come to mother! Miguel!¡±


    ¡°Mother!¡±


    ***

 CH 60

    As Charlotte disappeared into the colorful carriage like a crumpled goods, some looked at Miguel, who had fallen from his mother with a pitiful face. But Ezekiel saw the smile near Miguel¡¯s mouth clearly and turned around. He beckoned the old butler.


    ¡°¡­¡­lock him up where he¡¯s staying.¡±


    At Ezekiel¡¯s order, the old butler stiffened his face and approached Miguel. Then he pulled the child after removing the nanny attached to Miguel. The middle-aged woman attached to Miguel threw herself in front of Ezekiel.


    ¡°Oh, My Lord. No, Master Miguel is still young.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯ll stay with him. I have to be with him.¡­.¡±


    Anyone could tell the woman was full of loyalty. However, Ezekiel confirmed that there was something dazed in the woman¡¯s eyes and said calmly.


    ¡°Get her out of the castle. And don¡¯t let her set foot here again.¡±


    When the old butler signalled at the servants, the servants dragged Miguel¡¯s nanny this time. The woman was dragged out calling Miguel¡¯s name.


    Ezekiel glanced at Miguel, who was being held by the old butler, and called Edgar, who was in front of the knights, and said something.


    ¡°¡­¡­take care of it.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Edgar, who bowed his head in front of Ezekiel, got on the horse. Soon a group of knights led by Edgar and a carriage carrying Charlotte went out of the gate, making dust fly. Miguel greeted the carriage, which was getting smaller and smaller.


    ¡°Good-bye, Mother.¡±


    ***


    Where Edgar¡¯s party arrived was the border between the North and the barbarians. Edgar stopped his horse while looking around the desolate land. It was already dark and it would be completely dark after a little more time.


    ¡°Take it out.¡±


    It was a harsh word as if he was dealing with a thing. A knight pulled Charlotte out of the fancy carriage. Charlotte was almost thrown to the floor with a scream.


    ¡°Hey, this is¡­¡­?¡±


    In response to Charlotte¡¯s question, Edgar cut off the bar and rope connecting to the carriage and the harness and separated the horses from the carriage. And he ordered the knights to take the box from the carriage.


    Thud.


    The box, which was carried by several knights, settled on the floor with a heavy sound matching the weight. Edgar opened the box with his foot.


    The box with the lid open was full of gold, clattering around. Charlotte¡¯s eyes grew momentarily in brilliant gold staring at it.


    ¡°It¡¯s the gold that the Duke promised you. It weighs several times your body. It¡¯s all yours.¡±


    Charlotte hugged the box with spiteful eyes at the words. Now that she had been kicked out, she was going to take this. When Miguel becomes the Duke, she will return to the castle.


    Smothering the box of gold, she began to grin with bloodshot eyes. Edgar narrowed his brow and turned around.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go back.¡±


    Edgar handed over the horse separated from the carriage to the other knights. The knights tied the horses behind their respective horses and turned themselves along Edgar. Charlotte, who was smiling at the gold, finally felt strange and shouted.


    ¡°What is this! You there! I can¡¯t leave me here!¡±


    Edgar stood tall in place. Charlotte closed the lid of the box containing gold and approached him, faltering. Her eyes were filled with anxiety instead of joy.


    ¡°Hey, how do you want me to take this if you go away like this?¡­ I have to move this. Show me where I¡¯m going to live right now, you piece of cloth.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­The order I have received is that you, this gold, and this carriage will be left here. His Excellency said himself; Retrieve all the horses and come back.¡±


    Charlotte¡¯s eyes widened with consternation. You¡¯re leaving me, the woman, the gold, and the horseless carriage in this wasteland? Are you out of your mind? But the eyes of the knight looking at her were so calm. Charlotte pointed to Edgar with her trembling fingers.


    ¡°He wants to kill me, doesn¡¯t he? Otherwise¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Speak it out! He wants to kill me, doesn¡¯t he? Your master told you to kill me, didn¡¯t he? Otherwise, how!¡±


    ¡°Why did you become so greedy?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not enough to be presumptuous, but to poison Master Erzen and his wife, so you deserve it.¡±


    At the end of the sentence, Edgar got on the horse. And he kicked the horse in the side without any hesitation. The horse carrying Edgar began to run with a long cry, followed by other knights.


    ¡°There! Stop there! Argh!¡±


    Behind the dust, Charlotte screamed. But in the dangerous land, there was no answer to her scream.


    ***


    Herace was excited to see Erzen. Sitting in front of the greenhouse fountain, she opened the shirt she sewed for her son, with eyes full of affection.


    Blue birds were beautifully embroidered on the shirt. When Herace stroked the blue bird embroidered by herself, the blue bird trapped in the next cage chirped.


    ¡°Do you feel stuffy? Do you want to come out?¡±


    Herace opened the cage door and put her finger toward the bluebird. The little bird sat on Herace¡¯s finger, moved its head around, and moved back into the cage.


    ¡°I wish it could fly¡­¡­.¡±


    The bird did not fly out even if the cage was opened, perhaps because it was tamed. Herace looked at the bird with pitiful eyes, closed the cage door and picked up the shirt she had put on the chair. The banquet will be over in a little while, and then Erzen can try this on.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it over yet¡­¡­.¡±


    But her wait continued until the sun went down and the sky became dark. In the chilly weather, Herace moved into the room and looked nervously at the door. And at last there was a knock on the door.


    ¡°Erzen!¡±


    Herace smiled broadly, expecting her son to stand. However, the door opened and it was one of the maids who brought the meal. The maid bowed her head when her disappointment was revealed.


    ¡°Hey¡­¡­ isn¡¯t the banquet over yet?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    The maid did not answer Herace¡¯s question. At first glance, she looked the same as usual, but Herace felt strange from the maid who only looked at the floor with shaky hands. Herace spoke coldly in her voice.


    ¡°¡­what¡¯s going on out there? Is it related to my son?¡±


    ¡°Oh!¡±


    Herace was just wondering, but the maid was surprised by Herace¡¯s words and missed the plate. The bowl did not break, but it fell on the table with a sharp sound. Red sauce dripped onto the surface of the tablecloth.


    Herace went to the door without delay. And without any hesitation, she popped the door open.


    ***


    ¡°Madam, you have to go back. You can¡¯t come out like this.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Madam, please¡­¡­.¡±


    The maid and the knight who was guarding the hallway stuck to Herace and begged in a troubled voice. But Herace walked away pretending she didn¡¯t hear their voices.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m not locking you up. You can go out freely if you want. But I can¡¯t guarantee what I¡¯ll do if you break the rules.¡±


    She was afraid of Ezekiel¡¯s words that were close to intimidation. But she couldn¡¯t stay still because she didn¡¯t even know what happened to Erzen right now. Herace crossed the garden faster and faster.


    But when the main building began to be seen in the distance, a man stood in her way. To be exact, Herace and the man, who were rushing around the corner, almost collided.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Hicc. Huh? Aren¡¯t you the Duchess?¡±


    The man was very drunk. Not only his face, but also his neck and chest, which were seen through his untidy shirt, were red. The knight and maid who were following her sent her back and blocked her.


    ¡°Ben! Are you crazy? Get out of the way now!¡±


    The maid shouted in a small voice as if she had recognized the man. But the man laughed with a grin, threw away the bottle he was holding, and began to look through them to Herace with a loud giggle.


    ¡°What kind of wind made your precious body come out? You should have just sat still like a bird with its wings cut off.¡±


    The man¡¯s hostility toward Herace was obvious. When the man uttered rude words even at the maid¡¯s scolding, the knight crumpled his face and reached out to the man.


    ¡°A woman who can only sit motionlessly when other people are doing everything¡­¡­ Argh!¡±


    With a thud, the man fell to the floor and was overpowered. The knight twisted the man¡¯s arm and said to Herace.


    ¡°Don¡¯t listen.¡±


    ¡°Hmm¡­ Paul, it¡¯s no use bowing to her. Your girl was kicked out of the castle because of her, too. Anna? Yes. She was that woman¡¯s maid.¡±


    However, the man named Ben made fun of the knight with his mouth while struggling with pain. Herace, who was solidifying herself in the sudden situation, opened her eyes wide to the name of the man¡¯s mouth.


    ¡°Anna, what¡¯s the name of the kid who likes you? Did you say Paul? What do you think? Do you want me to talk to him?¡±


    ¡°How can you talk to him for me? Paul is three years younger than me! He¡¯s a total kid.¡±


    Herace¡¯s eyes stared at the knight¡¯s face. Not only did he completely change from how he looked a few years ago, but he no longer had an innocent look. There was only terrible bitterness and depression on the face of the boy who grew up as a robust knight.


    ¡°She ran away with that woman using you because you liked her. And she was caught and beaten and kicked out. She (Herace) only has a knack for using his maids or her subordinates.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­I¡¯ll cut your throat if you make more fun of Madam.¡±


    ¡°Stop. Leave it alone.¡±


    Paul pulled out his sword as words of insult to Herace continued. Herace dissuaded him and moved on. She didn¡¯t have time to argue with such a drunkard. But as soon as she took a few steps away, Ben said out loud from behind so she could hear him.


    ¡°How many lives have you ruined with this¡­¡­. Just today, Lily died and the woman who gave birth to Master Miguel was kicked out. Poor Master Miguel. He lost his mother just in a day. It would have been better if it was the unlucky kid who looks like you¡­¡­.¡±


    Herace¡¯s feet froze as soon as she heard Erzen¡¯s name. She came back and grabbed Ben by the collar, which was still lying face down.


    ¡°Speak it right. What happened to Erzen? What do you mean?¡±


    Ben, who was caught by the collar, said naturally. Rather, it was the maid and Paul who looked surprised at the sudden change of Herace. But Ben soon laughed at her and grinned.


    ¡°With your expression¡­. Are you saying you are his mother who doesn¡¯t know what happened? Yeah. I¡¯ll let you know in person because no one would have told you. Your son. Today¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Ben! Shut that mouth!¡±


    Paul shouted and tried to cut Ben off. However, Ben, who was looking at Herace with hateful eyes, finally uttered words with a strong smell of alcohol.


    ¡°¡­¡­He almost died from poison. I wish he¡¯d really died. It¡¯s a waste.¡±


    ***

 CH 61

    ¡°What¡¯s the point of locking me up here? Do you want rumours to spread that you are abusing your illegitimate son?¡±


    Ezekiel and Miguel were in a dark, windowless room. In the room, a bed and a number of seemingly junk items were scattered on the floor around it.


    Miguel bent over and picked up a rather heavy candlestick and said in a derisive voice.


    ¡°Father, this is no use to me. The power of the goddess that humans serve¡­¡­.¡±


    Miguel held the candlestick embossed in the shape of a lily and bend it hard in the middle. With a crack sound, the candlestick broke, then the lower part fell to the floor with a sharp sound.


    Miguel threw away the rest and looked at Ezekiel with a smile. However, there was a strange discomfort in the child¡¯s smile.


    ¡°More than that, I think your wife broke the rules she had with you again. Don¡¯t you think you should go? What if she runs away with her child again?¡±


    Despite his sarcastic voice referring to Herace, Ezekiel only wriggled his eyebrows. He could guess to some extent that his wife might come out of the annex in violation of the rules. But for now, it was a priority to deal with this in front of him somehow rather than his wife breaking the rules.


    ¡°Brother Miguel ¡­ heueuk¡­¡­said that. Heuk.¡±


    Erzen had been calling ¡®It¡¯ his brother in person, though he had prevented so much contact with it. Then ¡®It¡¯ must have already approached Herace. Ezekiel could no longer watch it invade his fence.


    As Ezekiel¡¯s expression turned colder, Miguel took a step closer to him.


    ¡°Why did you lock me up here? Are you going to cut my head and throw it into Lake Aunue like that time? Or do you want to burn me? Or why did you pick up something similar to that unlucky sword? You¡¯re going to stab me with that again? It¡¯s no use. It just tingled a little, but if you want to break it like that, go ahead.¡±


    After Herace¡¯s escape, Ezekiel tried to kill Miguel several times. But he couldn¡¯t be killed like humans. So he began to search objects such as holy things that could work on ¡®It¡¯. One of them is called the Holy Sword.


    But not all of them worked. Ezekiel has learned from several experiences that among the holy things, only certain things that respond to his (Ezekiel¡¯s) blood are valid for this.


    Priests who can feel the magic said in unison that the unique feeling was only one of the characteristics, and that it was the same holy thing blessed by the Goddess. However, Ezekiel was convinced that the holy object and the object he was looking for were different. There was definitely another object that could hurt the monster in front of him.


    ¡°I understand that my presence as your son is gross, but¡­¡­ You¡¯re the one who offered to help me get this shell and stay with me. I¡¯ll stick to you as long as I want, so don¡¯t bother.¡±


    Strange shadows hung long in the room. The wind blew in the room without a window, and it reflected on the shadow on the wall with its mouth wide open and showing its teeth. Even the figure of drooling was clear, so even those who did not believe in demons or monster would run to the temple at once. But Ezekiel still looked down at ¡®It¡¯ with insensitive eyes.


    Rather, it was Miguel who looked nervous over time. Something was tightening around him every minute in this space. Miguel began to look around by rolling his eyes on the property that was rolling on the floor.


    ¡°¡­ Are you the thing attached to my mother? Since when?¡±


    When Ezekiel, who was watching ¡®It¡¯, asked for the first time in a long time. The child pulled down the corners of his mouth that he had been raising on purpose. Instead of playfulness and relaxation, dim emotions sank in the flashing gold.


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    And it was silent for the first time.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think you have any intention of answering. All right. I don¡¯t want to ask any more. It¡¯s just that I brought you here for¡­¡­.¡±


    Ezekiel took his hand towards his neck. A thin leather strap appeared between the gap of the clothes, and a small object sparkled at the end. It was made of white and thin silver. The shape was a little like snowflake, supposedly.


    ¡°¡­¡­Ezekiel, keep it always with you.¡±


    As he held it tight, he felt a cold chill under the skin of his palm to the bone. What he was looking for was left in the corner after his mother died. He burst into laughter at the thought.


    Miguel¡¯s eyes got bigger when he saw the snowflake, and he soon stepped back slowly. But Ezekiel was a step ahead. He untied the necklace from his neck and threw it at the child without hesitation.


    ¡°Argh! Argh!¡±


    The necklace stuck to Miguel¡¯s body like a piece of metal stuck to a magnet. As soon as the snowflake touched the body, the small body fell back and began to twitch like a snake.


    ¡°No¡­.ahh! Agh! Agh!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­So that I can kill you.¡±


    Ezekiel uttered the outspoken word. And ¡®It¡¯ twisted its limbs bizzarely.


    Smoke rose near the chest where the snowflake was stuck. Long black and gross scales sprang up in places on the soft-looking skin. Ezekiel, who saw the golden eyes stretching from one to two, put strength on his feet.


    ¡°It seems that my mother didn¡¯t usually hate me. She made such a thing like this for me. Because I¡¯ve told her so many times. There¡¯s something terrible attached to me.¡±


    ¡°Argh! You! You! Argh!¡­ Argh!¡±


    At Ezekiel¡¯s words, its eyes grew bigger and it¡¯s screams rose. ¡®It¡¯ gritted its teeth and raised its nails and scratched the floor. The nails were black and long, like birds¡¯ talons, but unlike what they looked like, they broke and crushed at the force. Black blood splattered from the fingertips with broken nails.


    But that¡¯s where the pain ended. It was slowly recovering, even though its fingertips were crushed and struggling with pain. Ezekiel frowned at the sight of the black blood dragging itself towards the body at a slow pace like a leech.


    ¡°I wish you had died completely, but can¡¯t it do that?¡±


    ¡°Ah! Medea! Medeaaa!¡±


    Ezekiel turned around with his lips turned up. It now opened its eyes and mumbled the name of someone who sounded like a woman. Emotions mixed with everything were vividly conveyed in the scream.


    ¡°Ahhhhhh! Ezekiel! Argh!¡±


    Standing in front of the door, Ezekiel put his hand on the doorknob when ¡®It¡¯ tried to crawl over. However, it couldn¡¯t run away from the pain that rose again.


    ¡°¡­¡­I hope you¡¯re wriggling like a bug until I find a way to separate your neck from your body.¡±


    Ezekiel calmly opened the door amidst the terrible scream. When the thick door slammed shut, the scream inside died down as if it had never existed.


    ¡°Master¡­¡±


    The old butler standing outside looked at Ezekiel with a firm face. The old man¡¯s face was filled with tension and fear after hearing the scream clearly through the gap of the door that had been opened for a while.


    ¡°Lock it up, and I want you to keep what¡¯s in there to yourself.¡±


    The old butler trembled, but soon regained his calm appearance. He hesitated for a moment before asking Ezekiel.


    ¡°Is that the cause of the death of the deceased former Duke?¡±


    It was a question, with a hint of confidence in it. But Ezekiel replied without hesitation.


    ¡°No. My father killed himself. It can¡¯t be blamed on anyone.¡±


    ***


    The room Herace came to after a long time was almost nothing different from before. Except for the addition of a few things that a child needed. The bed and dressing table were still the same, and even the monochromatic brush she used was neatly placed.


    However, what surprised her more than the appearance of the unchanging room was the fact that Erzen was the one staying there. She had never imagined that Ezekiel would have given up this place to Erzen.


    Even though she sat down on it for the first time in years, the bed was familiar and comfortable. Herace sat on the bed and patted Erzen, who had fallen asleep. Her son was sleeping on the left side of the bed with his eyes closed. Just like when he was just born.


    ¡°Mom¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes, Erzen. Mom is here.¡±


    The child seemed to look for his mother in his dreams. Herace replied to his mumbling, saying that Mom is here whenever Erzen finds her in his sleep.


    How long has it been? Before she knew it, the night fell completely and Erzen stopped whining and only breathed. Then, Herace turned her head and looked at the sky outside the window.


    The stars were shining faintly in the dark night sky. On the contrary, the moon was so big and bright that even her eyes felt numb. Herace stared blankly at the clouds passing by in front of the brilliant moon and turned her head at the sound of the door opening.


    The bright moonlight casts a long shadow on the man. Herace pulled the blanket up for Erzen. Looking at the shadow from the door to the bed, she stood up. And then  she said, looking at Ezekiel with a firm face.


    ¡°Get out.¡±


    Ezekiel, who misunderstood her words as a congratulatory order, narrowed his forehead slightly and licked his lips. But Herace walked past him quickly before he could speak.


    Click.


    She came out of the room and soon heard the sound of the door closing. Herace walked down the hall without looking back. She could feel the man following her in step.


    When she thought she was quite far from the room, Herace stopped walking. The servants in the hallway saw her and Ezekiel and ran away with bated breath. When the servants completely disappeared and there was only silence in the hallway, Herace turned around.


    Ezekiel was only one step away from her. Herace clenched her fist and let out a heavy breathing. And then, she bit lips and raised his head to stare at the man.


    Slap!


    Ezekiel¡¯s cheeks turned red with a pretty sharp sound. Harace grabbed her wrist and breathed heavily and said clearly.


    ¡°Erzen cried. A lot.¡±


    After hearing from Ben that Erzen was almost poisoned, Herace wandered around the castle looking for her son. She heard the maid and Paul talking behind her, but she couldn¡¯t hear them. She just ran shouting Erzen¡¯s name until she was sweating and gasping.


    Erzen who met him like that, began to whin to Herace with a blue face. The crawling voice gave the child a sense of fear. Erzen cried for an hour as soon as he saw Herace.


    ***

 CH 62

    ¡°My son was about to die, but I¡­¡­, Uhmm.¡±


    The emotion she was barely pressing in front of the child burst out. Herace had a hard time even breathing because she was afraid of losing Erzen and felt guilty. But she held back because she was in front of the child. She slapped her chest for having difficulty breathing and squeezed the front of Ezekiel¡¯s coat.


    ¡°I, I¡¯ll be next to Erzen.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°I want to be next to my son.¡±


    Ezekiel just stared at Herace, who was panting while holding his own clothes. He didn¡¯t talk, he didn¡¯t touch her. He just stared at her, who was struggling not to pour out her emotions, with unknown eyes.


    An insensitive face and a distant gaze, it could have been a bad news for her, but Herace could not say anything. She could only look into Ezekiel¡¯s eyes.


    Ezekiel was not much different either. Is it because she slapped him on the cheek? His eyes, which contained nothing, looked sadder than her crying.


    Frustrated, Herace let go of Ezekiel¡¯s clothes that she was holding. But at that moment, Ezekayel¡¯s expression collapsed and he moved his hand quickly.


    ¡°Ah¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Herace.¡±


    Ezekiel held her tightly, placing Herace¡¯s hand that was moving away from him again on his chest. And spoke in a languid voice.


    ¡°¡­¡­I wanted myself to be the only one for you as you are for me.¡±


    ***


    Ben is dead. Without anyone knowing.


    It was the gardener who went to pick up some vegetables and found him lying down in a corner of the warehouse. Instead of making a fuss about the blood and immobility of Ben¡¯s head, the old gardener took a glance at Ben¡¯s appearance and informed the old butler of his death.


    There were too many bottles and bloody boxes next to the dead Ben. The old butler concluded that he had lost his footing while hiding in a corner and died after hitting his head in a box. Less than half a day later, Ben¡¯s cause of death ended in an accident.


    ¡°Ben, a servant working in the castle, died.¡±


    Herace also learned through Helen that Ben had died. She didn¡¯t feel sorry for his death, though she might be a little uncomfortable. It was a completely different attitude from the fact that she used to shed tears a few years ago because she was heartbroken by the small accident of the servants.


    ¡°¡­I see. Thanks for letting me know.¡±


    Herace hated herself for not having even a little sympathy for Ben¡¯s death. But didn¡¯t the man named Ben have strong hostility toward Erzen as well as her?


    She was worried about what if Ben¡¯s hostility was expressed toward Erzen like this attempted poisoning. In fact, he said to her face, ¡°It¡¯s a pity that Erzen didn¡¯t die.¡± Herace, who learned that Erzen was almost poisoned, could not sympathize with the person who wished for her son¡¯s death.


    ¡®I have to protect Ergen.¡¯


    Although it was only an attempt, just thinking about the fact that her young son almost reached the threshold of death made her heart stop. Herace recalled the woman who dared to hurt her son, barely pressing the rising vomit.


    ¡®¡­¡­ she was kicked out.¡¯


    Herace¡¯s blue eyes had a cool glow. For Herace, Charlotte¡¯s expulsion was a matter of course. If Charlotte was still in the castle, Herace would have found another way to run away by stealing Erzen.


    ¡®But it was unexpected. She¡¯s the mother of one of his child. She¡¯s the woman he loves. Of course she deserved to be kicked out, but I didn¡¯t expect him to really kick her out¡­¡­, Why?¡¯


    Herace was surprised thinking like that. So she bit her lip.


    ¡®What if he¡­¡­. He didn¡¯t care for Erzen. Just by the look¡­¡­ No, it¡¯s a sin that deserves to die. I guess that¡¯s how he ended it. I don¡¯t know. He might have kicked her out but actually took her somewhere.¡¯


    In her three years on the run, she saw all sorts of strange things. She saw some men placing their mistresses in an area a little far away for fear of their wives¡¯ strong family. She had such dirty offers a few times, which was surprisingly frequent.


    ¡°¡­¡­I want myself to be the only one for you as you are for me.¡±


    However, she kept thinking about what Ezekiel said to her a few days ago. It was a funny and stupid thought, but Herace felt like he was just craving her love.


    She shook her head, thinking it was a ridiculous idea. Suddenly, the appearance of the child who made her mind uncomfortable for a few days came to her mind.


    ¡®But where is Miguel really? I didn¡¯t see her at all¡­¡­ Did he leave with her? Even Helen doesn¡¯t know¡­¡­.¡¯


    Herace¡¯s mind toward Miguel was still subtle. Herace was grateful but hated the child at the same time. An untidy feeling consumed Herace. Resentful of her narrow mind, she touched her forehead at the thought of coming here.


    ¡°Mom.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Mom!¡±


    How long had he been calling her? Erzen, who was painting with charcoal on the floor under the couch where Herace was sitting, called her. Herace answered only after Erzen grabbed the hem of the dress and shook it.


    ¡°Huh? Erzen, what happened?¡±


    ¡°What are you thinking?¡±


    ¡°Nothing. Did you finish drawing already?¡±


    Erzen nodded bravely. Herace smiled at her son¡¯s brighter face, then saw the charcoal black on Erzen¡¯s cheek and took out a handkerchief.


    ¡°Your face became as a black puppy. Come here, Erzen. I¡¯ll wipe it for you.¡±


    ¡°Later! Look at Erzen¡¯s paintings first! Will you see?¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes, I will see. Let¡¯s see how good Erzen is at drawing.¡±


    Erzen nodded his head and brought one of the paintings scattered on the floor. Herace, who saw her son¡¯s painting, hugged Erzen and praised him without caring about the soot getting on her.


    ¡°Oh, Erzen. You draw really well.¡±


    ¡°I like drawing pictures. It¡¯s fun!¡±


    It wasn¡¯t an empty word that came out of love with her son. Erzen painted a painting quite well considering that he did not even learn it. Maybe he had inherited the talent from Herace, who was excellent at embroidery. There was a crooked line on the unfamiliar charcoal, but everything the child drew was clear human forms.


    ¡°Really? Then I¡¯ll have to keep a teacher for Erzen.¡±


    ¡°Really? Then I¡¯ll exchange it with my etiquette teacher. I don¡¯t want my etiquette teacher!¡±


    ¡°You can study manners and painting at the same time. First of all, tell me, is this your Mom¡­¡­.¡±


    At the center of the paper was a Herace. Her long, winding hair to the waist was enough to recognise her at once.


    ¡°That¡¯s right! This is my mother. It¡¯s pretty, right? I drew it exactly the same, right?


    ¡°Thank you for drawing your Mom beautifully. Our Erzen is great, kiss.¡±


    ¡°Mom, kiss.¡±


    Erzen smiled and kissed her lightly on the cheek as Herace toyed with his fingers to her lips. Herace¡¯s face shone brighter because the child¡¯s pure warmth was felt as it was. She stroked her son¡¯s head and pointed to the figure next to her in the painting.


    ¡°Is this Erzen?¡±


    ¡°Yes! That¡¯s me.¡±


    ¡°Is Ergen this handsome?¡±


    ¡°Mom!¡±


    They had a lot of fun with seeing the drawing together. The sunlight outside the window warmed the room warm as if to bless the two, who were enjoying happiness for the first time in a long time.


    Over and over again, Herace praised her son and herself the painting, tilting their heads to the shape of a smaller person in the corner of the paper. Unlike Herace and Erzen, whose features were well drawn, it was difficult to recognize who they were drawn in the corner.


    ¡°Who are the people here?¡±


    When asked by Herace, Erzen looked reproachfully as if he didn¡¯t recognize them. And then he pointed at each and every one with his fingers and explained.


    ¡°Here, this is Anna and Miguel¡­¡­ Dad, no, the Mister!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­I see.¡±


    Mister, he could see how Ezekiel approached the child. Herace tried to persuade him to call Ezekiel father, but she stopped when she saw the smallest figure in the corner. He was a man who didn¡¯t deserve to be called a father by Erzen.


    ¡°But why did you draw him in the corner? There¡¯s a lot of space here. You should draw them next to Erzen and Mom.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­I don¡¯t want to.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    Ergen shook his head with a dark face when Herace asked, pointing at them in the corner. Herace opened her eyes wide at the appearance of a fairly determined child.


    ¡°Erzen likes his mother the most. All I need is my Mom. So I hope my Mom only plays with Erzen.¡±


    Erzen drew a circle around Herace and himself in the painting. Herace, shocked by the child¡¯s words, held Erzen in her arms tightly.


    ¡°Erzen, you can¡¯t do that. I like Erzen the best, but I can¡¯t live in the world with you alone. Anna, your brother, your teachers, and¡­¡­ We have to live with this guy, too.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡­¡±


    Erzen¡¯s drooping shoulders were full of grief. The child, who hesitated as if he had something to say, looked up after a long time. Fiddling with Herace¡¯s fingers, he said with tears in the blue eyes.


    ¡°¡­Erzen likes Anna and Miguel. If my Mom tells me to like it, my uncle can like it, too. But I like my mom best. It¡¯s not as good as my mom if everyone else adds up. That¡¯s why Ergen said she only needs her mother. But isn¡¯t she?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t you just have Ergen?¡± Do we need someone else? So you¡¯re not with Ergen the whole time? Are you going to leave Ergen alone this time too? Ergen has to cry many times before you come?¡±


    The endless questions were full of worries and anxiety. Harris couldn¡¯t think of anything as if she had been hit on the head with a blunt instrument. When Herace didn¡¯t say anything, the frightened child began to cling to the mother¡¯s face.


    ¡°Oh, Mom. Ergen¡¯s fault. I¡¯ll be with the others. I¡¯m not stubborn. So, Mom¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t go. Don¡¯t leave Ergen alone, will you?¡±


    Herace held Erzen tightly with trembling hands and rubbed her face against her son¡¯s cheek. The charcoal black on Erzen¡¯s face moved to Herace. However, Harris held Erzen tightly regardless of whether her dress became dirty or her face became dirty.


    ¡°No, Ergen. My mom was wrong. My mother also¡­¡±


    When the mother¡¯s voice was mixed with tears, the child wiped her eyes with her brackish hands and patted her on the back. Herace managed to make up a bright voice and continued by the adult, consideration that came too soon.


    ¡°¡­¡­I don¡¯t need anyone else. All we need is our pretty Ergen.¡±


    ***

 CH 63

    Helen¡¯s tray trembled relentlessly from side to side. As a result, the glass on the tray and the plate containing cookies clattered. However, despite the unstable shaking of the tray, Helen was unable to do anything.


    In front of Helen, was standing the owner of this castle who was watching the inside of the room with a narrow gap of the door, whose mere presence choked people with fear even though she could only see his back.


    ¡®What the hell is this¡­¡­.¡¯


    Helen glanced at Ezekiel¡¯s unmoved back and barely held her lips tightly at the horrors of taking over her whole body. She was trembling from arms to her body, but she was scared to even make a sound of breathing. If even a handful of momentum from the owner¡¯s body is directed at her¡­¡­ She couldn¡¯t stand it at all.


    Fortunately, Ezekiel seemed to move away from the door soon after, and turned around. Helen didn¡¯t have confident to see her owner¡¯s face, so she lowered her head deeply and raised her head only after the sound of his footsteps disappeared.


    Helen, who swallowed her saliva, looked at the door for a long time with a worried expression. Then, she shook her head as if shaking off her anxiety. And knocked on the door for the Madam and Young Master inside who were waiting for the snack.


    Knock, knock.


    The door opened and two people who were tightly attached to each other looked at her. Helen gently lifted the tray at the sight of them together which warmed her heart just by looking at.


    ¡°I brought snacks. So have a break and eat.¡±


    *****


    ¡°Ah¡­¡­¡±


    The snowflake had a small crack. At the same time, the small body, which was struggling with endless pain, wriggled as if it felt something and stopped moving.


    The broken joint found its place and the broken nail grew back. The blood that had soaked the whole floor was sucked through the black scales, but the room was enveloped in silence when even the last drop of blood returned to its original place.


    ¡®It¡¯ took a long breath and rolled its four pupils in all directions.


    Fuck.


    A black bug passing by without knowing anything was penetrated with ¡®Its¡¯ fingertips around its torso. A bug the size of a man¡¯s finger with a full belly struggled with six legs in agony. Even the wings that allowed them to run away from predators and the solid shell were all useless now.


    Black things came out of its long, black fingernails. The black liquid, which was procrastinating as if it were moving alive, entered the bug¡¯s body as if being swallowed. It slipped through both eyes, and was sucked in between them. Soon after, the bug stopped all resistance and only moved one leg, when a smoky voice filled the room.


    [Oh, Ezekiel¡­¡­, Ugh. I¡¯m the child of Medea. My Father. We¡¯re brothers.]


    It was still a voice struggling with pain as if ¡®It¡¯ were still under excruciating pain, but beyond that, indisputable joy was heard in the words. ¡®It¡¯ held out its long red tongue, raised the corners of its mouth to its ears, and slowly removed the fingernail that penetrated the bug.


    Starting with the battered body, the bug¡¯s broken body, broken wings, and broken back were regenerated again. The bug grew out six legs, flashing its gold-colored eyes unlike before. Then it made a weird noise and began to hit the floor quickly.


    The black and disgusting creature skimmed through the corners of the wall a few times and dug through the cracks in the wall. ¡®It¡¯ giggled in a creepy voice as all of its six legs disappeared.


    [How can you always be so stupid and foolish¡­.]


    ***


    ¡°What are you doing!¡±


    Just as the sun was beginning to set late in the afternoon, shouts that should not have been heard came out of the castle. Servants, who knew the owner of the voice, ran away in surprise and quickly bowed their heads to the scene in front of them.


    ¡°Ezekiel!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Ezekiel! Why all of a sudden¡­¡­ Argh!¡±


    A slender body floated into the air in an instant. Ezekiel stood his ground and carried Herace, around his shoulders like a sack of potatoes, and moved his feet. The man quickly came down the stairs, left the entrance, and headed to the back of the main building.


    ¡°Put me down! Ezekiel!¡±


    Herace shouted sharply and struck Ezekiel on the back with her fist. However, even though she hit him with all her might, Ezekiel only looked forward without moving an eyebrow. Frustrated, Herace struggled with her legs, but her legs tied in a dress did not budge.


    Ezekiel passed through the garden behind the main building in an instant. Herace stiffened her face when she saw him passing by the annex close to the main building. If he goes straight on the road he¡¯s going¡­¡­.


    ¡°No! Put me down! I want you to drop me right away!¡±


    A building that she got used to and didn¡¯t want to stay in appeared. Herace recognized the corner of the annex where she stayed until a few days ago and shouted sharply.


    Ignoring her desperate cries, Ezekiel entered the building and soon reached the deepest room in the annex. When she saw the glass greenhouse beyond the room, Herace screamed and punched him again. Nevertheless, Ezekiel easily overpowered her and put her on the bed as he did when he lifted her.


    ¡°Keep your word.¡±


    As soon as Herace¡¯s body fell into the soft bed, Ezekael said with a cool face. It was a low, gloomy voice as if it were ringing in a cave.


    ¡°Well, what do you mean¡­¡­ Speak clearly!¡±


    Herace, pressed by the momentum, stuttered unknowingly and raised her eyes upward. The anger reflected in the blue eyes was clear, but Ezekiel looked down at Herace, who was half lying on the bed with an unwavering face. And repeated the words.


    ¡°As I said. Keep your word. Herace, you¡¯re supposed to be here for three years.¡±


    Herace, who finally understood what Ezekiel was saying, looked confused. She raised her voice with a frown as if what he was saying was something absurd.


    ¡°I told you! I will be with Erzen¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°No. Herace, you should be here alone. That was the rule.¡±


    Ezekiel¡¯s golden eyes, who said the words as if they were natural, were tightly closed as if a wall had been laid. Herace was choked up by Ezekiel¡¯s mysterious expression and jumped up. Her high chin and red cheeks showed her anger.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you all of a sudden? Why? You left us alone for a few days. But why¡­.¡±


    ¡°Us?¡±


    A spark flashed from Ezekiel¡¯s eyes, who had been talking without a clue. Lowering his back, he glared at Herace at an angle looking straight at her eyes. When Herace pulled back at a distance further from him, a large man¡¯s hand pressed her cheek and squeezed her face tightly.


    ¡°¡­¡­you live in the world alone with your son. Right?¡±


    Even though the corner of his mouth, which only went up on one side, his face was like a block of ice. Herace shrank from the goosebumps that ran down her spine. The man laughed coldly at the sight, suddenly stopped laughing, and said in a heartless voice.


    ¡°I let you stuck with your son for a few days because of the promise I made on his birthday. I allowed you to meet him, his mother as a birthday present for the child.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°In the past, I told you you could spend time with your son only half a day, but the child has experienced an accident, so I have shown mercy. But you shouldn¡¯t take it for granted, right Herace?¡±


    Herace¡¯s face, caught by the man¡¯s large hand and listening to what he said, was distorted.


    Yeah, he was such a man. She forgot for a moment, but he was this kind of man. He was a cruel and mean person who made her choose to run away with her hundred-year-old son.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look like that. You just mistook my mercy. You¡¯re just back to your original place, but you can¡¯t have an expression on your face like that. Fix your expression. Smile beautifully like a mistress should to me, Herace.¡±


    ¡°Insane! Take your hands off me!¡±


    Herace shook her head and scratched Ezekiel with her nails to get away from his hold. The man¡¯s hand was marked with red lines. But the more she behaved roughly, the deeper the smile on Ezekiel¡¯s face became.


    ¡°¡­¡­you are pretty even when you are being so mean. I can¡¯t take my eyes off you for a second. But we need to break the habit of complaining without knowing the topic.¡±


    ¡°Fix your habits yourself! How dare you act like a self-indulgent, insane! And the rules? Why would I follow such a thing? Get out of the way! I¡¯m going to Erzen!¡±


    Erzen, who cried in front of her saying, ¡°Mom is the only one I have,¡± came to mind. Herace shouted and struggled to the end, then managed to escape the man.


    ¡°Ugh¡­¡­¡±


    As soon as she stepped on the floor, her body tilted back. Her back touched the bed again before Herace could fully understand her position.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t like the rules, do as you please. But, Herace, if you ever leave this room again¡­¡­.¡±


    The man¡¯s lips under the sharp nose briefly touched Herace¡¯s lips and then moved away. He looked down at his wife, who looked at him like a disgusting bug, and continued.


    ¡°¡­¡­your son will have to go somewhere else for his education. Since you said he is a bit weak, it would be better to send him to the warm Barashe. He might forget your face after 15 years of sunbathing there.¡±


    The southern city of Barashe was also a resort city in the South. It is a luxury resort city where aristocrats stay, and it is also an active city for trade with foreign countries, so the culture was well developed, and the weather was warm throughout the year. But it was so far from Serpence Castle that one had to run in a carriage for six months to reach there.


    ¡°Of course, if that happens, don¡¯t worry. Your son will still be a member of Serpence and my son. So I will do everything I can to make him comfortable.¡±


    Herace¡¯s face turned pale when she heard that he would send her son far away, and tears filled her blue eyes. She stared at Ezekiel with her lips trembling and opened her mouth after a long time.


    ¡°¡­¡­a lowly human being.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re the worst human being I¡¯ve ever seen! You¡¯re the dirtiest and the worst guy in the world! Beast!¡±


    Herace had never imagined that she would spit on anyone in her life. But now she thought she could do it without hesitation many times, if it was the man in front of her.


    Ezekiel smirked as his wife¡¯s saliva flowed down his cheek. He reached out and pulled the ribbon around the bed curtain. Then he wiped his cheek with it and threw it to the floor. Then he got closer to her and whispered.


    ¡°You¡¯re right, Herace. I¡¯m a low, dirty guy. What can I do if I¡¯m born with it? You, of noble birth, must bear it. Of course, even if you don¡¯t like it, there¡¯s nothing you can do because you¡¯re in the opposite position now.¡±


    Herace tried to push him away because she didn¡¯t want to hear any more, but Ezekael was one step faster. He swallowed her lips, clasping the Herace tightly. Soon the damp air in the room became heated.


    In the cage in the glass greenhouse beyond the room, the blue bird fluttered its wings violently and cried. The bird¡¯s rough struggle shook the cage. Soon after, the tired bird landed on the perch again and looked far beyond the cage with black eyes.

 CH 64

    It was hard to breathe out. Charlotte struggled and took only a few steps, but eventually she fell forward.


    ¡°What the¡­¡±


    Plop!


    There was a pretty loud noise and dust on the dry ground flew around. However, the fallen person could not even scream out the pain.


    ¡°Uh¡­¡­¡±


    Her whole throat was dry. The inside of the mouth was already numb, and the throat was stinging as if it was being rubbed with sandpaper.


    Charlotte¡¯s blonde hair, which was once managed well, flowed by and flew around randomly. Dry blond hair, mixed with dust, had long lost its old color.


    ¡®Am I going to die like this?¡¯


    Despair hung over the misty green eyes. Charlotte remembered those who had lost all their strength and abandoned themselves.


    Knights who disappeared leaving only the carriage and gold. They must have known how dangerous this desolate field was. But nevertheless, they left her alone.


    ¡®¡­he tried to kill me in the first place.¡¯


    When she thought how he had abandoned her with the intention of killing her, her anger rose and she felt a little encouraged. It¡¯s not like he could just kill her, like this¡­¡­. Charlotte, who opened her eyes, gritted her teeth thinking of two days ago.


    ¡°You punks who are leaving me here! You¡¯ll see when Miguel becomes the Duke later! I¡¯ll cut your heads off and let the birds peck your bodies to pieces!¡±


    When Edgar and the knights below him left her alone, Charlotte couldn¡¯t do anything with a golden chest wrapped in her arms. Heavy gold was made up of long and large chunks, making it difficult to lift even one lump properly.


    However, she couldn¡¯t leave the gold behind. Charlotte kept cursing those who she thought had put her in this difficult situation without even leaving the horses even though it was getting dark and she was thirsty.


    And such an action hastened Charlotte¡¯s misfortune that was still coming.


    ¡®I should have killed her and her baby! That Duchess position is mine! Since she have escaped, she should never have come back.¡¯


    The desert where Charlotte was abandoned was the boundary between the northern Anais Empire and the land of barbarians, which turned into a brutal battlefield when the empire overthrew the barbarians. However, when there was no punitive expedition, the wilderness used to be a lawless place where criminals, barbarians, or mercenaries who were expelled from the empire hung around.


    ¡°I¡¯m the woman who gave birth to the successor of the Duke! How dare you look at me with those eyes? Leaving me here? Miguel, be a Duke, and I¡¯ll¡­¡­ Huh, who are you!¡±


    Charlotte¡¯s swearing and shouting brought attention to those in the wilderness. They looked at the fancy carriage from afar and were on guard. But after a long time, they slowly began to approach. And as soon as they judged that there was no one guarding the wagon and Charlotte, they suddenly turned into a band of thieves.


    It was unnatural for a flock of bandits aiming for a wagon to find a chest filled with gold and opened their eyes wide. They forgot Charlotte who was threatening them and rushed to get the gold they got by chance.


    ¡°No! That¡¯s mine! It¡¯s all mine! Get your hands off of me, you scruffy asshole! Get your hands off me!¡±


    At first Charlotte stopped them fearlessly at the thought of losing her gold. But the men easily subdued Charlotte, and once they had calmed their excitement for gold to some extent, they glanced at her.


    ¡°St, stay away from me! Don¡¯t come! You useless things!¡±


    Although dusty, Charlotte was beautiful, and they were the lowest human beings living in the wilderness, who would not hesitate to kidnap and sell women. Charlotte was able to regain her fear and shake off her desire for gold only after they caught her and tied her hands and feet.


    ¡°I¡¯m the¡­ Duchess, Duchess. I can¡¯t die in a place like this¡­¡­.¡±


    It was pure luck that Charlotte was able to escape from them. Just before exploiting Charlotte, the bandits began to fight each other over sharing gold. Charlotte managed to untie the rope and get out of the way when knives began to hit here and there, fists come and go, and blood was pouring in.


    But can we say that she was lucky? Nothing remained of Charlotte, who escaped the bandits. There was no gold full of big boxes, no fancy carriage, or even shoes.


    Still, life was more important than anything else, so Charlotte ran and gasped. She was afraid that the men would come to catch her at any moment. But the flight, which began without eating or drinking anything, drastically gnawed at her physical strength.


    Charlotte collapsed two days after being abandoned in the wilderness. And now she was dying.


    ¡°S, save me¡­.¡±


    Under her tangled hair, her rake-like hands came out slowly and tore the grass right in front of her. The grass, which grew in the desolate and dry land, was easily pulled out, but Charlotte¡¯s hand could not even do it.


    As if it was the last moment of her life, a drop of tears moistened her eyes and fell down. Charlotte bit her dry lips as she recalled her poor life.


    ¡°I¡¯m not going! I don¡¯t want to go, Dad!¡±


    It was a life of exploitation from birth. Her mother abandoned her, and her father sold her, when she was only eight. No one in the world gave anything to her, let alone embrace her.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that Sally¡¯s ring?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s mine now.¡±


    ¡°Hey! Sally said she broke her head. No way.¡­.¡±


    So Charlotte saw that all the actions and thoughts she had done were justified. She had to take away what she likes because others took her things away. You should not have held what you had in your hand, and you should take what you see in other people¡¯s hands, win it, and enjoy it as if it were yours. That¡¯s the definition she knows, the way to live the world.


    ¡®I didn¡¯t do anything wrong. She! And her son took everything from me. It¡¯s what I deserve, but she took it from me.¡¯


    Charlotte breathed heavily and poured all kinds of curses on Herace, Erzen, and Ezekiel. She lost everything and she was dying like this because of them. She (Herace) was going crazy to think that she and her son (Erzen) would be laughing at her (Charlotte) and taking her son¡¯s place.


    ¡®It¡¯s unfair. I¡¯m going crazy because it¡¯s unfair. It¡¯s unfair. It¡¯s unfair. It¡¯s unfair. I¡¯m like this and they¡¯re¡­¡­.¡¯


    The injustice reached its peak. Charlotte opened her eyes wide instead of her immobile body. Bloodshot eyes grew to the limit. If she stopped breathing like this, her expression would harden like this when she dies and be left in the wilderness.


    But instead of death, another guest came to Charlotte. The bug, with its curious golden eyes, landed right in front of Charlotte and made eye contact with her.


    [¡­¡­mother, my poor mother.]


    Charlotte¡¯s eyes trembled at the familiar voice, and her lips rose upward as if she had heard something pleasant. Charlotte answered ¡®It¡¯ with her dry mouth open.


    ¡°All, all right, you damn monster.¡±


    The bug flapped its wings several times as if it understood her iron scratching voice. And when the bug flew away leaving the wilderness behind¡­¡­.


    Charlotte had disappeared, too.


    ***


    Erzen climbed onto the bed with a sullen face as he watched the clouds in the dark sky. Then the nanny next to him advised him and covered the child with a blanket.


    ¡°Summer is coming soon, but it¡¯s still chilly at night. You have to sleep well under the blanket.¡±


    The child nodded roughly and turned his head away. He was still young, but he vaguely knew that the attitude of adults in the castle, as well as the middle-aged woman who has become his nanny now, changed at some point, not because they didn¡¯t care about him.


    ¡°Okay, go to bed now. If anything happens, please call me.¡±


    The nanny, who noticed that Erzen was not very happy with her, hesitated a little with a disappointed look and stepped back. Erzen clasped the blanket tightly when he heard the door closing.


    ¡°Mom¡­¡±


    Herace didn¡¯t come at all. Erzen, who waited for his mother from the afternoon until late at night, began to sniffle in disappointment.


    Can¡¯t we see each other again for a while? Is she in a strange house over that hole again? Or did I cry a lot so she went away? All sorts of thoughts stirred the child¡¯s small head.


    ¡®If I cry a lot, won¡¯t Mom come? My mom always came to me when I cried.¡¯


    Erzen shook his small head, thinking as if he would burst into tears right now.


    ¡®No. Then my Mom will cry too.¡¯


    The child knew. That when he cries, his mother cries, too. He missed his mother, but he didn¡¯t want her to be sad. Erzen rolled himself up in a ball and quickly wiped away the tears that were leaking.


    When he straightened his body to force himself to sleep, there was a scary and dull sound that rumbled from a distance. Erzen shrank his neck to a sound similar to the sound of a beast, and the light flashed at the moment.


    ¡°Uh, Mom¡­¡­¡±


    Thanks to a few experiences, the child knew the existence of thunder. Soon that distant sound would come closer and lightning would flash more frequently.


    But knowing didn¡¯t mean he wasn¡¯t afraid. Erzen sang Herace¡¯s name a few more times, and when he realized that his mother would not come, he covered himself with the blanket to the top of his head. As soon as he covered his eyes, he could hear the thunder one step closer. Erzen covered his ears and closed his eyes tightly.


    It was when her vision adjusted to the darkness. He thought the window was rattling, and the wind was swaying the curtains. And at the same time, a familiar voice crept into his ears.


    ¡°Erzen.¡±


    ¡°Hey? Brother Miguel?¡±


    Erzen was delighted by the familiar voice and lowered the blanket. The sparkling eyes of the child were full of joy.


    ¡°Hello.¡±


    As expected, Miguel was sitting right next to the bed. But Erzen¡¯s expression turned pale as soon as he saw Miguel.


    The blue eyes trembled with fear. Miguel was calm even though Erzen¡¯s whole body hardened when he saw him.


    The golden eyes flashed more curiously at the lightning. ¡®It¡¯ propped up its chin with its long nails and showed off its sharp teeth. The long red tongue fluttered, disturbing Erzen¡¯s view, and a gentle voice came out.


    ¡°I¡¯ve come to ask you the favor you promised me, Erzen.¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­¡­Ah¡­¡­¡±.¡±


    ¡®It¡¯ bent its eyes like a crescent moon and distorted its four vertically torn pupils. Erzen trembled and pointed his finger at it, and it snatched Erzen¡¯s wrist with its scaly, disgusting hand.


    ¡°Will you give me one thing as you promised me that time? Huh?¡±


    It was mellow, but there was also a hint of urging. The strength of Erzen¡¯s wrist became stronger and the child¡¯s hand became white. Erzen was terrified and couldn¡¯t say anything, shaking and screaming, he said.


    ¡°I don¡¯t wanna!¡±

 CH 65

    It fell off unexpectedly easily with a snap. Erzen hurried out of bed and headed for the door like a squirrel. The sound of the child running rang the floor, followed by the sound of the door opening.


    ¡°¡­¡­don¡¯t blame me. I saved your life once anyway.¡±


    It did not chase Erzen. Just glances at the back of the running child.


    Pitter. Patter.


    Rain began to pour through the open window, and thunder roared loudly at close range. White lightning struck the window and took away the darkness for a moment, ¡®It¡¯ disappeared.


    Flutter.


    In the room where there was only silence, the bookshelf shook in the rain and wind and dropped the books. In the open book, the monster wriggled, the letters danced among themselves, and the boy who defeated the monster disappeared.


    On the empty place. Newly engraved letters appeared bit by bit.


    ¡¶The monster swallowed Jack in one bite.¡·


    ***


    The wind and rain beat against the window. The occasional sound of thunder hit his ears and made his head ache.


    Ezekiel sat alone in the office, staring at the clock in front of him with a cigar in his mouth. The clock ticked away. At the minute hand that began to bend to the right after midnight, Ezekiel emitted smoke and rubbed the cigar on the ashtray.


    ¡°¡­¡­Herace.¡±


    His wife had been suffering from him for hours without rest, so she should have been still unconscious by now. When he thought of his wife, who was so tired and lost consciousness even though she reaped what she sowed, his eyebrows crumpled on their own.


    Ezekiel bent his head after biting his lips to the point of bleeding. The desk shivering with thunder represented his feelings.


    ¡°It¡¯s been a while since I thought it wouldn¡¯t work out like this.¡±


    Ezekiel, who was blaming himself for his madness, stared at the desk and suddenly looked up as if he felt someone was looking at him. And he jumped up from his desk without realizing, at the face that suddenly appeared.


    ¡°You¡­¡±


    Pumpkin-colored eyes trembled with the sound of the chair being dragged. Ezekiel, unlike his expression, his body stiffened as he stared at the person standing in front of him with a cooler expression than ever.


    It was Charles who appeared before Ezekiel. His half-brother, with red hair resembling his father and bright blue eyes of the Duchess Ulysses, was right in front of him.


    ¡°¡­¡­I¡¯m out of my mind, so I¡¯m seeing crazy things.¡±


    When Charles didn¡¯t say anything, Ezekiel spouted out as if he was convincing himself. The person opposite of him wasn¡¯t speaking. The brother in front of him was just a fantasy. An opaque figure without even a shadow that could prove his existence.


    ¡°¡­¡­it¡¯s no use looking at me like that. As I said before, I don¡¯t feel sorry for you.¡±


    Even though he knew it was a virtual image, Ezekiel opened his mouth. His half-brother, who had been looking at him quietly just like his wife does, had an expression as if he had something to say to him.


    ¡°Herace is now my wife, not your fianc¨¦e. So forget¡­¡­ Ugh.¡±


    Rumble!


    For a moment, lightning struck and his head hurt as if it were splitting. Ezekiel staggered with his forehead clasped. Charles still had the same face despite the pain of his half-brother.


    ¡°¡­¡­I don¡¯t know where you are, but don¡¯t ever show up in front of Herace again. If you show up again¡­¡­ Ugh!¡±


    Ezekiel barely continued, panting and holding the corner of the desk. He couldn¡¯t stand the flash of light any more. As he collapsed with his knees bent, Charles, who was looking down at his brother, raised his arm and pointed in a direction with his finger.


    ¡°Huh. What¡­¡­.¡±


    Ezekiel held his head while looking at the direction his younger brother pointed with his finger. There was nothing on the wall, only one still life was left alone beyond it.


    At first he remembered what or who was over the wall. The room beyond that wall was formerly used by Herace, and is now where Erzen is staying.


    Rumble, boom!


    A strange anxiety swallowed Ezekiel with another strike of lightning. Ezekiel woke up, forgetting his terrible headache.


    There was a rough sound of the door opening, and Charles finally disappeared as if he melted into the darkness as his half-brother ran forward.


    ***


    ¡°Erzen!¡±


    It was raining so much that nothing couldn¡¯t be seen outside. Herace, who was lying dead on the bed with a pale face, woke up from her nightmare by calling her son¡¯s name to the sound of thunder.


    ¡°Erzen. Erzen¡­¡­.¡±


    Her chest, wearing only one thin nightgown, heaved up and down. Herace, who was looking around by calling her son¡¯s name, sighed after confirming that her hands were clean.


    ¡®¡­¡­a terrible nightmare.¡¯


    Herace saw a nightmare similar to her previous dream. Her son Erzen, was looking down at her with sad eyes as he was submerged in a puddle of blood that was splattered everywhere. She tried to hug her son, but Erzen just kissed her forehead and disappeared in a beam of bright light.


    When she calmed down a little, she felt chilly. Herace looked at the glass greenhouse, removing the hair attached to her forehead and neck in a cold sweat. The world was rather quiet, drowned in the sound of pouring rain.


    Rumble.


    A prolonged thunderstorm rang and lightning struck the glass greenhouse. Herace opened her eyes wide when she saw someone through the flashing light.


    ¡°Erzen!¡±


    Her son, who disappeared for a while as the light died down, was crying. Her heart began to beat madly again, and Herace quickly rushed down from her bed.


    ¡°Mom! Mom!¡±


    Erzen¡¯s cries continued to ring in her ears. Herace, who couldn¡¯t stand it any longer, opened the door.


    A dark darkness unfolded before her with the damp air.


    ***


    ¡°Monster¡­¡­Ugh. It wasn¡¯t Brother. It was a monster.¡±


    Erzen was sitting on the stairs, sniffling. Originally, it was a quiet night, so the child¡¯s cry would have rang in the castle, but it was not now. The steady stream of lightning, thunder, rain and wind hid all the sounds of the world in them.


    ¡°Mom¡­¡±


    Erzen called Herace and flinched with fear every time there was lightning. He felt like the stairs where he was sitting were shaking whenever thunder rumbled.


    ¡®¡­¡­I¡¯m scared.¡¯


    When he first saw the monster that looked like his Brother, he tried to go outside looking for his Mother. But the rain and wind and thunder and lightning left Erzen stranded.


    As he sat still, the ambient temperature gradually decreased. Erzen rolled up and wiped his wet face with his small palm. Then, he happened to see the stairs right below through the railing. There stood a woman with black hair.


    ¡°Mom?¡±


    When surprised Erzen looked up and looked carefully, the black-haired woman slightly raised her head and tried to look up. But in a moment, Erzen saw the same blue eyes as his.


    ¡°Mom!¡±


    Despite the ringing thunder, the child ran down the stairs without hesitation. As Erzen followed, the woman with her long hair seemed to look back, and then headed down the stairs.


    ¡°Mom! Take me with you!¡±


    Erzen ran fast to catch up with his mother. However, somehow it was not easy to catch his mother.


    Erzen bent down the stairs several times with a tapping and running sound of footsteps. The child didn¡¯t get close to his mother until he reached the stairs between the first and second floors.


    A hall appeared under the stairs of the first-floor. Originally, no matter how late it was, there would be several servants, but only silence flowed in the hall.


    ¡°Haah¡­ Mom, Mom.¡±


    Erzen gasped and grabbed the hem of his mother¡¯s dress, who he barely caught up with. The feeling of the hand and the fear of thunder and lightning had long disappeared with the soft black hair.


    ¡°What?¡±


    But at the moment of relief, Erzen felt a strange sense of wonder from his mother.


    His mother¡¯s hair was naturally curved smoothly, but it wasn¡¯t curl this way. In addition, instead of the familiar warmth, only a very cold air flowed from the mother in front of him.


    Rumble.


    The thunder that seemed to scratch the floor passed low and the woman¡¯s hair faded from the end. As the black hair, which was like the night sky, gradually became lighter and turned into a cold golden color, Erzen stepped back, leaving the woman¡¯s hem. And for a moment¡­¡­.


    Rumble, boom!


    The sound of thunder was heard louder than ever, and under the flashing flame, a blonde woman grinned and mouthed to Erzen.


    ¡°Good-bye.¡±


    The little bluebird crashed like that.


    ***


    Thunder and lightning moved away for a short time, and the wind that hit the window roughly disappeared. All that was left was endless rain that seemed to submerge the world into nothingness.


    Ezekiel stood on the stairs, watched the scene unfolding in the first-floor hall, and ran madly down the stairs. As he passed by, Charlotte, who was standing at the end of the stairs, burst into laughter and said.


    ¡°Why are you making that face?¡±


    It was a voice that he didn¡¯t want to hear as if his ears would be torn, but Ezekiel couldn¡¯t hear it. He just picked up the child lying down the stairs.


    The little body in his arms was still warm. It was safe to say that he was sleeping except for his tightly closed eyes and his pale complexion. The child¡¯s heart stopped beating and the sound of breathing disappeared along with it.


    Ezekiel shook the unmoved child and loudly shouted for help.


    ¡°Is anyone there? Call a doctor right now! Bring a doctor!¡±


    Ezekiel¡¯s shout was not hidden even by the sound of the rain. Servants and knights sprang up from here and there. As the audience increased, Charlotte¡¯s laughter gradually increased. However, as soon as the knights pulled out the sword, she threw up black blood and fell forward.


    ¡°Argh!¡±


    Some maids screamed. The black blood Charlotte vomited made a puddle and began to flow down the stairs. Charlotte laughed until the end of her death. She shook her arm up. And pointed to the door with a creepy smile between her blonde hair.


    Ezekiel and other people¡¯s eyes turned to the main gate. Before he knew it, two knights along with a woman soaked in the rain was standing at the wide open door. Water was dripping from the end of the woman¡¯s dark hair.


    ¡°Erzen!¡±


    Herace, who entered the hall barefoot in her thin clothes, kicked the floor, calling the name her son in Ezekiel¡¯s arms in a more tearful voice. The pale face was as paralysed as Erzen.


    The drops of water splashed everywhere and his wife¡¯s blue eyes were wide open in shock and fear. And ¡®It¡¯ whispered in Ezekael¡¯s ears.


    ¡°¡­¡­The child of Medea, I will return what I have taken.¡±

 CH 66

    The previous Foreign War.


    Those who were at the top of the society did not go to prison even after committing high treason. Charles¡¯ gaze looking at the top of the tower that stretched high were bitter.


    ¡°Please follow me.¡±


    The knight, who served as the tower¡¯s guard, was still polite even though he became a sinner. Charles bowed his head and followed the knight¡¯s guidance into the tower.


    The inside of the tower, where he entered after a year, remained the same. The winding spiral staircase was endless, and the gray walls inside the tower looked dark with cracks here and there.


    ¡°It¡¯s the same as before. An hour. It¡¯s the time His Majesty has allowed.¡±


    The knight said in front of the door at the end of the tower. When Charles nodded slightly, saying he understood, the knight took a package of keys out of his pocket and unlocked five heavy locks on the door. Whenever there was a clang sound, Charles looked at it with a painful face.


    Clang.


    The heavy iron door had to be pushed as hard as the knight could. When Charles entered the room, five locks behind were locked again. Leaving the touch of the cold door behind, Charles looked into the room.


    There was no furniture inside except a bed and a table. There was a very small palm-sized window that gave life to the desolate room without any decoration. However, even though it was closed, the air in the room was cloudy even in the cool weather outside.


    Charles looked around the room with blank eyes and went to the side of the bed and knelt down.


    ¡°Mother, I¡¯m here.¡±


    There was a woman lying on the bed. The woman lying on her back with her gray hair loose breathed heavily once as her eyes opened.


    Her eyes, which would once have been as clear as the sky outside, rolled from side to side with a blurry light like the eyes of a wounded fish. The woman managed to get herself up. Even with the ordinary movement, a crunching sound was heard from the joints.


    Charles stretched his hands to support his mother but hesitated. Because his mother hated anyone sympathizing with herself worthy of her precious origin.


    ¡°Francis manages to let you go.¡±


    ¡°His Majesty¡­.¡±


    ¡°Stop. I don¡¯t want to hear about that son of a bitch.¡±


    The voice calling the Emperor of the great Han Empire a son of a bitch was thin and cold, without any hesitation. Charles bit his lips while looking at his mother sadly, who became weaker just in a year. He has something to tell her today. But seeing her this, it was hard to say anything.


    ¡°Get the ribbon there.¡±


    Duchess Ulysses. No, now a sinner, Ulysses pointed to the table. When Charles brought a white ribbon from the table, she combed her disheveled hair with her hands and tied it neatly.


    ¡°You know, there¡¯s no one to serve me here. Please understand this.¡±


    ¡°Yes. How are you feeling?¡±


    ¡°As you see it. I¡¯m aging fast and dying fast. Like the ghosts of this tower.¡±


    Ulysses said, looking at the wrinkles in her hand. Spending time in a small room and doing nothing was terrible torture. Thanks to this, she did not see the sunlight or breathe the fresh air outside, so she was becoming a presbytery day by day.


    ¡°¡­¡­It hasn¡¯t been three years, and I don¡¯t know if I¡¯ll be crazy until five years have passed. Or die before that.¡±


    She said so, but Ulysses was the only one who has endured the hellish life in her right mind for nearly three years in the tower over the past 100 years. Usually, the royal people who were captured there would self-harm or go crazy less than a year after being trapped there.


    That¡¯s what this space was. No arrogant emperor, no elegant empress, or the prince who almost came to power, could endure for long.


    But Ulysses also had limitations. Charles noticed her mother¡¯s eyes gradually blurred and constantly shaking. In addition, she clenched her fist hard secretly so that he could not see it, but the tip of his mother¡¯s finger, which he saw when she was tying her hair, was full of blood.


    ¡°Don¡¯t say that. Stay healthy for a long time.¡­.¡±


    Charles shut his mouth as he spoke. The saying to live here long and healthy was, in a way, a curse for her. Ulysses also snorted coldly as if his son¡¯s words were funny.


    The mother and son, who met after a year, remained silent. It was such a waste of a short time of only an hour, but he couldn¡¯t say anything when he faced reality. Who sees them as the hostess and successor of the Duke of Serpence now? The life of being a sinner and saving only his life was as miserable as this room.


    ¡°Mother.¡±


    Charles held his mother¡¯s hand after a long hesitation. Ulysses frowned at the young sympathy in his son¡¯s eyes, but did not shake his hand. Charles gave a lonely smile to his mother. Holding Ulysses¡¯ hands tightly, he said what he had thought beforehand.


    ¡°My Father died. It was last year. It wasn¡¯t long after I visited Mother.¡±


    Ulysses¡¯ cheeks twitched slightly at his son¡¯s words. But she soon opened her mouth with her chin raised haughtily.


    ¡°Good for him. He would have died in agony like that, wouldn¡¯t he? The last time I saw him, he couldn¡¯t even breathe properly.¡±


    Ulysses saw her husband just before he was taken for treason. She watched her husband, Duke Serpence, lying like a corpse and breathing heavily.


    Charles clenched his lips at his mother¡¯s reaction. Now he can be sure. His mother was involved in his father¡¯s death. He asked Ulysses in a watery voice.


    ¡°¡­¡­I¡¯m late, but if I may ask. The person who poisoned Father¡­¡­ Was it you, Mother?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I did.¡±


    Ulysses didn¡¯t deny anything. She took her hand out of her son¡¯s hand and looked down at his tearful son.


    ¡°I know Father has hurt Mother. It was an unbearable wound. But Mother¡­¡­.¡±


    Charles knew how much his mother suffered because of her father¡¯s mistress and the existence of her half-brother. She was a noble woman who lived her life like an imperial family and also as the Emperor¡¯s favorite younger half-sister. However, since the husband had an illegitimate child with the mistress, how much hurt her great pride was? In addition, as Charles knew, his Mother had a passionate crush on his Father even before she was married to him.


    ¡°¡­¡­my Father is your husband. But why¡­¡­ Why did you do that? I heard Father went away in great pain.¡±


    Charles did not intend to tell anyone that his Father¡¯s killer was his Mother. The only person out of his parents who gave him affection was his mother. His father saw him as his successor, but he paid no attention to anything related to him.


    However, it is true that his father also gave him blood and flesh. So he had to ask her Mother this secret. Why did she have to kill her husband so cruelly?


    ¡°He¡¯s your father, so that¡¯s why I endured. If it wasn¡¯t, I¡¯d have poisoned or killed him long ago. My son, your father, I have shown mercy on him.¡±


    ¡°Mother!¡±


    Ulysses painted the face of her dead husband looking at his son¡¯s red hair. He died without even breathing properly. She wanted to tell him the truth. If she could, she would have enjoyed this joy of seeing him in misery earlier.


    Charles was hardened by the emotion in his mother¡¯s eyes. Then Ulysses said to her son.


    ¡°Stop talking about your father. How¡¯s that filthy illegitimate son doing? Is he living in that castle, taking your place?¡±


    The sarcastic voice was full of anger. Her husband¡¯s illegitimate son took over the castle as well as the position of the Duke. The thought of it gave her a fever of anger. With barely holding back the soaring madness, Ulysses urged his son to answer.


    ¡°¡­¡­Yes, because he¡¯s the Duke now. He lives in the castle.¡±


    ¡°What Duke? Just a dirty illegitimate child. Taking a seat doesn¡¯t make him look noble. Dirty thing!¡±


    Ulysses¡¯ eyes were bloodshot and fierce. She would not recognize Ezekiel as a Duke until the moment she died. To her, Ezekiel was nothing more than a dirty illegitimate child.


    ¡°What about Herace? How¡¯s the child doing? Will I see her again this year? Francis didn¡¯t call her, did he?¡±


    Ulysses, who had been cursing Ezekiel with clenched teeth, suddenly changed her face. It was a real smile on his Mother¡¯s face for the first time he saw in years, but Charles avoided her eyes. He licked his lips several times and spoke in a low voice after a long time.


    ¡°¡­¡­Mother, there¡¯s something I haven¡¯t told you so far.¡±


    If he could come back next year, he would have hidden this fact again this year. But Charles couldn¡¯t come here a year later.


    It was known that the mother and her child caught for treason were meeting secretly, so the palace was in an uproar.


    The Emperor closed his mouth and implied that it wasn¡¯t his will, but the believers were stubborn. When it was even said that a new rebellion might occur if the rebels ignored the meeting, the Emperor told Charles to stop visiting his mother for the time being.


    ¡°What do you mean you couldn¡¯t tell me¡­¡­. Is something wrong with her?¡±


    ¡°Herace didn¡¯t stay with me. After Devone¡¯s fall, she¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°What? Didn¡¯t Francis forgive her? Charles! Speak up. If not with you, where is the child, Herace now? Don¡¯t tell me he enslaved that pretty child¡­¡­.¡±


    Ulysses shouted even before Charles¡¯ words continued. Holding Charles by the shoulder with a pale face, she shook her son. Charles shook his head, holding the excited mother.


    ¡°No, what do you mean enslaving her? Harace is doing well. But Herace¡­¡­ She is married to Brother now, not long after Mother came here. I¡¯m sorry to tell you late.¡±


    Sometimes, Ulysses cared more about Herace than her child. Charles knew from an early age how much his mother wanted to tie him with Herace.


    ¡°Charles, you have to marry Herace and live happily ever after.¡±


    His mother would urge him to marry Herace from time to time. It could have been said too much, but Charles also nodded every time because Herace was a good person.


    ¡°You, you¡­ What are you talking about?¡­ What do you mean¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean! Why would Herace marry that filthy illegitimate child! Why! She¡¯s your fianc¨¦e. My son, your fianc¨¦e! Charles, she¡¯s your fianc¨¦e!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Oh, Charles¡­¡­ Don¡¯t make such a crazy joke, my son. You¡¯re kidding, aren¡¯t you? Say yes. Say yes!¡±


    ¡°¡­it¡¯s true. Herace married Brother and became a Duchess. But it was inevitable, Mother. The Devone was found involved in the treason, and Herace was taken to prison. Brother tried to save her¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°No way!¡±


    When Ulysses shook her head vigorously, her neatly tied hair scattered in all directions. She raised her thin finger and pointed it at her son like a madwoman.


    ***


    T/N: Hello readers! I¡¯m sorry to let you know that I won¡¯t be able to post any new chapters from next week till the end of April. I¡¯ll be very busy in the meantime so please forgive me. I¡¯ll try to update at least one chapter per week but

 CH 67

    ¡°Francis that jerk promised me not to kill Herace in the first place. He promised me not to touch her! But what did he do? To him! He sent that precious, pretty child to that filthy illegitimate son?¡±


    Even if she were to be arrested for insulting the Emperor right away, Ulysses held no fear and spouted curses on the Emperor. Charles managed to catch his mother, who was screaming and throwing a fit, and settled her down on the bed. Ulysses caught her son by the collar while breathing heavily and floundering her arms and legs.


    ¡°Charles, take Herace and run away right now. Leave the Empire! You don¡¯t have to come here, so take her to another country! And never set foot on Anais. You two live happily ever after, okay?¡±


    Even when she was first brought here, she didn¡¯t show such a desperate expression. Charles, who never saw his mother losing her composure said, held back tears.


    ¡°Mother, I can¡¯t do that. Herace is already¡­¡­.¡±


    The voice full of tears was filled with grief.


    He also wanted to be by her side more than anyone else, so that he could forever care for her. He wanted to close his eyes looking at her face and see her after opening his eyes for the first time in the morning. He also wanted to spend his days under her loving care. A hot tear fell from Charles¡¯ eyes.


    ¡°¡­¡­She married Brother. Brother will make her happy.¡±


    ¡°Argh! No! No! Argh!¡±


    As soon as Charles finished speaking, Ulysses screamed and struggled again. And just in time, they heard the sound of the lock opening, and the knight came in.


    ¡°Time¡¯s up. Come on out.¡±


    The knight kept his calm face even when he saw Ulysses running wild like a maniac. He gestured at the back, and two women suddenly entered the room. They pushed Charles away and pressed the arms and legs of Duchess Ulysses. Charles nodded at the knight, who was urging him to leave the room to wait a moment and got close to his mother again, who was overpowered by two women.


    ¡°Mother, I won¡¯t be able to see you for a while. But I¡¯ll definitely come back, Mom. So please¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Oh, my God. It¡¯s Daphne! Daphne! Argh!¡±


    Despite her son¡¯s farewell, Ulysses was busy looking at the ceiling and crying with her eyes open. When the knight urged him again, Charles looked at his mother with sad eyes and kissed her forehead.


    ¡°¡­¡­take care of yourself.¡±


    ***


    ¡°Go abroad for a few years. When things are sorted out and words about Ulysses die down, I¡¯ll call you back.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Your Majesty.¡±


    ¡°Poor child.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t forgive your mother. That illegitimate child is different from Edward.¡­ Tsk! But you, poor Charles. Poor thing.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Ezekiel¡­ ¡­I would have relieved you of your burden if it weren¡¯t for the Duke¡¯s request. What could I do? That¡¯s how things turned out.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Leave as soon as possible. Travel and go around. You¡¯ll forget everything when you see the vast world.¡±


    Charles, who met the Emperor, visited Serpence Castle for the last time before leaving Anais. To see Herace. To see his ex-fianc¨¦e, who is now his brother¡¯s wife, one last time.


    ¡®I¡¯d rather she be happy with Brother. If she was with me, I might have hated it.¡¯


    Just in time, Ezekiel had left the castle for subjugation. Charles looked at the fewer knights and soldiers than usual, and entered the castle but then came out familiarly. And after a few days of hesitation, he finally called out Herace.


    ¡°Herace.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Charles. I¡¯m so sorry. It¡¯s¡­¡­.¡±


    However, as soon as he saw Herace apologising, Charles regretted his choice. The Herace he had last seen in the glass greenhouse remained the same. The friendly blue eyes and the red lips that always took his breath away were still beautiful. Charles hated this emotion, and hated himself more.


    ¡®She still looks just as pretty as I remember. I should have been disappointed in myself. Why am I still¡­¡­.¡¯


    The capital was still warm, but the north was as cold as his heart. Charles stared at Herace and deliberately turned his head away and rolled his eyes. The snow was piling up outside. He managed to opened his mouth as he looked at Herace reflected on the greenhouse glass wall.


    ¡°Things have come to this, but I understand you. I would have done the same if I were you, Herace.¡±


    Herace¡¯s eyes widened for a moment and filled with unshed tears. Charles turned his head and approached her as tears dripped down her face. Then he spoke in a brighter voice than before as if comforting her.


    ¡°He¡¯s a good man. Unlike me, Brother has the power to protect you. So, Herace, you don¡¯t have to feel guilty about me.¡±


    ¡°Charles¡­¡±


    Don¡¯t cry. Charles said in a small voice, but Herace began to cry, calling his name. Don¡¯t be so sad. Charles slowly raised his arms while looking at Herace¡¯s trembling eyelashes and tight lips. Then he held her small body in his arms and began to comfort her.


    ¡°Don¡¯t cry, Herace. What should I do if you cry? I¡¯m gonna be a pathetic guy who makes a woman cry.¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I, Charles, I¡­¡­.¡±


    Charles¡¯ hands moved incessantly. The hands that stroked Herace¡¯s black hair and patted on the back were friendly.


    ¡°Shhh. Don¡¯t cry, Herace. Will you smile at me please?¡±


    Herace barely raised the corners of her mouth to the voice ringing in her ears. Charles playfully tapped Herace¡¯s lips and raised his thumb to wipe her wet eyes.


    ¡°As expected, you look better with a smile. When you cry, your eyes droop down. You don¡¯t look good with tears.¡±


    In Charles¡¯ eyes, Herace would be beautiful no matter what expression she had. But Charles didn¡¯t want her to cry. Since he was young, he has seen Herace shed tears too many times. So when she cried, his heart was always numb and unbearable.


    ¡°Now, look here. I¡¯ll clean it up for you.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s all right, Charles¡­¡­.¡±


    Charles gently grabbed Herace¡¯s face as a habit. But Herace shook her head and stepped back. Regret poured in when she avoided him but couldn¡¯t say anything either.


    When Herace shook her head, Charles faltered for a moment and immediately held his hand back. It was based on the judgment that if he did more than this, he would appear to Herace as a burden. But as soon as he took his hands back, Herace, who was stepping back, lost her balance and her body tilted aside.


    ¡°Ah?¡±


    ¡°Herace!¡±


    Charles, who ran to her with a jump, grabbed her by the waist and pulled her towards him. His face was full of relief as he let out a small sigh.


    ¡°Herace, I¡¯ve been thinking about it for a while, but your body is too weak. So, how did you come here?¡­.¡±


    ¡°My body is fine, it¡¯s just that the floor was uneven. Did you forget? I used to run much better than you, Charles.¡±


    The scene of childhood together came to mind in the two¡¯s. On the green grass, they would run barefoot, regardless of the nagging.


    ¡°I lost on purpose. Because I was a gentleman and you were a lady.¡±


    ¡°Lie!¡±


    Forgetting that she cried, Herace laughed out loud at the pleasant memory. And at that moment, Charles¡¯ kind face hardened. He glanced at the smile on Herace¡¯s face and pulled away. Surprised, Herace looked up at Charles.


    ¡°¡­¡­I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m so sorry for saying this to you, Herace¡­¡­ I can¡¯t stand it without telling you. Because this will be the last time.¡±


    The man¡¯s voice was mingled with tears. Herace blinked and opened her eyes wide when she saw the tears in Charles¡¯ eyes.


    ¡°Charles¡­¡±


    As they grew up together, she rarely saw Charles crying. The only time he cried she remembered was when she accepted his proposal.


    ¡°Herace, I love you so much. I¡¯ve always loved you.¡±


    Confessions similar to those in the marriage proposal followed. However, even the similar words were completely different from then. Charles, who was crying with expectations and happiness at that time, was full of resignation and sadness now.


    ¡°Charles, I¡¯m¡­.¡±


    Herace took a step back from Charles with her mouth straightened. She couldn¡¯t accept his heart. She already had someone else.


    ¡°¡­¡­I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m so sorry for you, but I can¡¯t accept your heart. I¡­ I love my husband, Ezekiel.¡±


    Herace said firmly, shaking her head. Her face was full of pain. She gulped seeing Charles crying and continued her cruel words calmly.


    ¡°I¡¯m telling you now, Charles, but you must have known that beforehand. I¡¯ve actually been¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Stop.¡±


    Charles, unable to resist, raised his hand. Slowly raising his head, he approached her as he looked at Herace¡¯s eyes with a wet face. He smothered the frown on her face with a gentle touch as he said.


    ¡°I know what you mean. So stop it, Herace.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m, I¡¯m sorry. Charles, I¡¯m sorry¡­¡­.¡±


    Herace, who was biting her lips, couldn¡¯t resist and burst into tears again. She intentionally tried to spit out cold words, but when she saw Charles¡¯ face, all she could say was sorry. When she cried again, Charles patted her back again. However, it was clear that the touch felt less familiar than before.


    ¡°¡­¡­actually I¡¯m leaving Anais soon. I came here today to say goodbye.¡±


    As Herace¡¯s cry subsided to some extent, Charles announced the purpose of today¡¯s visit with a calm face. Herace asked in a trembling voice, though she had guessed from the moment she entered the greenhouse that he had come to say goodbye.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know yet. After I leave Anais, I¡¯m going to travel to the South and get on a boat. I¡¯m going to take the first boat that I see. I¡¯ll see where it takes me.¡±


    ¡°But you have to decide the destination. If anything happens¡­¡­.¡±


    Herace looked worried at the unplanned remark. Then Charles bent down, adjusted his height with her, and said in a light voice.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look like that. Traveling was one of my dreams. I¡¯ve never been anywhere but the North or the capital¡­¡­. Wherever I go, I¡¯ll buy you a lot of souvenirs when I come back. What do you think? You¡¯re looking forward to it, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­¡­¡±


    Herace replied reluctantly. Charles was surprised to see her small hands awkwardly pressing on her stomach while tucking her hair. He alternately looked at Herace¡¯s face and stomach with a look of surprise.


    ¡°Herace, do you happen to¡­¡­.¡±

 CH 68

    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    Feeling Charles¡¯ gaze, Herace nodded her head small, giving strength to her hand on her abdomen. Charles faltered back at her affirmation. His steps were somewhat unsettling.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m going to have a nephew¡­¡­ I¡¯m going to be an Uncle. It¡¯s a little surprising.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­¡­ celebration comes before that. Congratulations, Herace! Since you are a pretty girl, the baby will be very pretty whether it¡¯s a boy or a girl. I¡¯m looking forward to it.¡­ The face of my nephew.¡±


    His voice was the brightest since he entered the greenhouse. However, Charles¡¯ eyes were shaking everywhere without focus. He hurriedly said goodbye to Herace, hiding his trembling hand behind him.


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll be on my way.¡±


    ¡°Cha, Charles!¡±


    Herace tried to catch him, but she couldn¡¯t catch up with someone who ran away as fast as he could. Charles went to the door without looking back, and stopped while trying to get out.


    ¡°Herace.¡±


    Charles showed his back to her and called her name. Then Herace slowly approached Charles.


    The cold wind outside was coming through the slightly open door. When Herace had only a few steps left to approach him, Charles opened the door completely and whispered as if wishing he could not hear.


    ¡°¡­¡­You have to live happily with Brother.¡±


    ***


    Neigh!


    On the snow-covered cliff, the horse that Charles rode on, ran away leaving its owner behind. Standing on the dizzying cliff, Charles looked very nervous at the shadow of the silver-haired man in front of him.


    ¡°Brother¡­¡±


    Ezekiel was a few steps away from Charles, but the sword he held to Charles¡¯ chest wasn¡¯t far. Charles, who gulped at the feeling of a sharp blade on his throat, said in a calm voice.


    ¡°¡­¡­nothing happened between Herace and me. I just went to her and said goodbye.¡±


    Shortly after leaving the castle, Charles noticed that someone was chasing him. He wondered who would chase him, who had completely fallen out of grace without even having his status as an aristocrat, but he ran away desperately because there was nothing bad about being careful. But one of his pursuers drove his horse very familiarly, and Charles was soon caught.


    At first, Charles was surprised but relieved to find that it was Ezekiel who chased him, but the appreciation did not last long.


    Ezekiel suddenly pulled out his sword and pushed it into Charles¡¯ chest, asking about his relationship with Herace. Charles was not very quick-witted, but he soon noticed that his half-brother had learned about the meeting between him and Herace. So he started to make excuses to resolve the misunderstanding.


    ¡°I¡¯m aware that breaking into the castle without Brother¡¯s permission and calling her out is a sin that deserves a hundred apologies. But there was nothing else.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m telling you, Brother. We¡¯re just¡­¡­.¡±


    Ezekiel¡¯s golden eyes flashed furiously at the word ¡®we¡¯. He gritted his teeth and shouted at Charles.


    ¡°I know, so shut up!¡±


    ¡°Well, what do you mean¡­¡­.¡±


    Charles was frightened by the sudden fierce energy of Ezekiel and stepped back a little. The snow at the end of the cliff made a slight cracking sound. But neither of them had the time to decipher it.


    ¡°I know my wife and you didn¡¯t do anything¡­¡­ Ugh! Damn it!¡±


    Ezekiel seemed to lost his sanity as he began to shake while holding the sword in hand. He lowered his head and held his forehead with his other hand. Surprised by his behaviour, Charles tried to move forward. But he stopped, looking at the sword that was still emitting a ferocious momentum, and only looked worried.


    Ezekiel groaned for a moment and slowly raised his head. Charles, who thought his half-brother had improved, tried to start making excuses again, but froze at the bizarre madness in his amber eyes.


    ¡°No. On second thought, I don¡¯t think I know, Charles.¡±


    ¡°Brother, Brother¡­.¡±


    ¡°Herace and you¡­¡­ have not committed adultery, but I can¡¯t believe it. You two even got engaged. And I saw you two hugging each other.¡±


    Delusions clouded his judgment. In Ezekiel¡¯s head, the conversation between the two people, who he had not heard in person, was depicted at will. He took half a step closer to Charles.


    ¡°¡­¡­The truth is that I wish you could kiss her. Then I wouldn¡¯t have to worry about that. I could have doubts about my wife¡¯s innocence, and I could have wielded this sword comfortably. But you¡­ You didn¡¯t do that. Should I say it¡¯s a relief? Huh?¡±


    ¡°Brother! Wake up! Right now, you¡¯re¡­¡­ Ugh!¡±


    Charles realized that his half-brother¡¯s condition was somewhat strange and raised his voice, but Ezekiel ignored him and moved his sword. The sword that was pointed to Charles¡¯ chest climbed to his neck. Ezekiel stared into the distance with bloodshot eyes and shifted his cool gaze to Charles¡¯ neck.


    ¡°Charles, I can¡¯t stand this voice in my ears. I can hear it again and again. There¡¯s a child in her stomach¡­¡­, She says that I¡¯m the one who she loves. But is it true? Am I being fooled by her?¡±


    ¡°Brother! What¡­¡­ Wake up! Brother Ezekiel!¡±


    ¡°As long as you¡¯re alive, I¡¯ll always suffer from this anxiety. I¡¯ll have to tremble all night at the possibility that she can leave me and go to you anytime.¡±


    At first glance, Ezekiel¡¯s voice seemed insincere, but there was a condensed life in it. Charles took another step back from the approaching sword. The wind blew behind his back as his footsteps leaned closer to danger.


    ¡°Brother, once you get rid of this sword, I¡¯ll explain everything¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­I don¡¯t think I can stand it.¡±


    ¡°Brother! What?¡±


    Thud! Thud! Thump!


    There were several sounds of something falling, and soon the floor cracked. Charles¡¯ body was pushed away. As his body dangled from the cliff, Charles reached for Ezekiel with his eyes wide open. Ezekiel faltered for a moment and reached out to Charles.


    But just one moment, a moment, was late. They couldn¡¯t reach each other. In an instant, Charles fell down and Ezekiel, who lost his balance, missed the grip on the sword. And within seconds, a thud rang close by.


    Only then did the focus return to Ezekiel¡¯s empty eyes. He stiffened for a while with a shocked face, looked down, and found his half-brother buried in between the fallen snow and hurriedly went down the cliff. His entire right arm was injured, including his hand, while he was trying to overcome the steep wall with his bare body, but he didn¡¯t have time to care about that.


    ¡°Charles! Charles!¡±


    ¡°Oh, argh! Brother, Brother¡­¡­.¡±


    The cliff where Charles fell was not very high. There was snow piled up below, so if he had fallen as it was, he could have lived without major injuries.


    However, in the middle of Charles¡¯ abdomen, the sword that Ezekiel missed was deeply embedded. Ezekiel tried to pull out the sword, but stopped his hand in the pouring blood.


    ¡°Charles! Wake up! Charles!¡±


    ¡°Brother¡­ Brother Ezekiel¡­¡­ Ugh!¡±


    Blood gushed out of his mouth at every breath. Both Ezekiel and Charles knew that there was no hope. Charles shook his head while holding his half-brother¡¯s hand tightly to help him stand up. Then, panting, he began to spit out the last word with difficulty.


    ¡°Brother¡­¡­ huuhh. Brother, Brother¡­.¡±


    ¡°Charles, look this way. Look at me! Look at me!¡±


    ¡°He, Harace¡­¡­ Oh, have no doubt on her. Well, she¡¯s¡­¡­ Heuk¡­ she loved you, Brother, Brother. A long time ago¡­¡­ Even before.¡±


    As Charles continued, Ezekiel¡¯s face crumpled badly. Hot tears blocked the view and fell on Charles¡¯ face.


    ¡°I mean¡­ heuk¡­¡­ Please, please, don¡¯t¡­¡­ Ugh!¡±


    The breath that exited like wisps of white clouds met the cold air and gradually became faster but smaller. Charles painted Herace, starting with the blue eyes he had longed for all his life. And when a soft smile bloomed around his mouth, he breathed out his last breath.


    ¡°Live, happily¡­¡­ Please¡­¡±


    Please be happy. The will failed to finish with a few words left. Half-open eyes without being able to close them showed regret, sadness, and unexpected joy. His lifeless eyes were clouded. The name of the deceased leaked out from the remaining person¡¯s mouth with a strange groan.


    ¡°Charles¡­¡±


    The sinner raised his bloodstained hand trembling nonstop. Ezekiel, who put his palm on his half-brother¡¯s face, barely opened his eyes that he could not open. And soon after, only a voice filled with deep guilt rang in the wide wilderness.


    ¡°Ahhhhh!¡±


    Blood from the arms dripped down on the snow. At the same time, the despair of killing his brother penetrated Ezekiel¡¯s mind.


    ¡°Brother!¡±


    The voice of Charles, who always welcomed him, was bright. Ezekiel distorted his face while looking at his blood-stained hands.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry on behalf of my mother, but I like you. No matter what anyone says, you and I are brothers.¡±


    His half-brother never said anything unpleasant to him in his life. Even when he, an illegitimate child, took his father¡¯s attention, when he was fighting with bad rumours with Herace, even when he eventually married her and took the position of the Duke.


    ¡®Blood¡­¡¯


    However, he stained his brother¡¯s blood on his hand. Under the pretext of jealousy¡­¡­. He led an innocent person to death.


    The guilt he had not felt while cutting hundreds of heads on the battlefield engulfed him. Ezekiel buried his face in his blood-stained hands. He wasn¡¯t confident to see his brother¡¯s body right below. The figure of Charles was clearly embedded between his fingers.


    ¡°Ah¡­¡­¡±


    Ezekiel withdrew from Charles¡¯ body, now a corpse, with a knee step. Then he jumped up to run away from this place.


    ¡°Haah¡­¡­¡°


    He didn¡¯t want to remember anything. He didn¡¯t want to see the results he made. He wanted to shake off this sin that weighed on him. But he couldn¡¯t get away from it. While he was in despair, a group of men with weapons wrapped around Ezekiel.


    The men were a group of barbarian vanquished soldiers who were defeated by the army led by Ezekiel and fled. A young-faced man, who must have hurt his leg, stared at Ezekiel and shouted.


    ¡°You murderer!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°I will cut your neck to honour the souls of my brothers. You murderer!¡±


    Ezekiel, who was still, responded noticeably harshly to the word ¡®murderer¡¯. Bloodshot eyes turned to the man who spat out the word.


    The man who received the gaze faltered. Then another barbarian man in the group instigated the group.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be scared! There are no other guys around here with him!¡±


    At the words, fierce shouts rang from all over the group and someone shot an arrow at Ezekiel. A sharp wind-cut arrow sank into Ezekiel¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°Revenge our brothers!¡±


    ¡°Dog of the Empire! Die!¡±


    It was a situation where anyone could understand that they had to run away. Not only was Ezekiel injured, it was also difficult to deal with armed men with only a sword alone.


    ¡°I¡¯d rather kill you here¡­¡­.¡±


    But Ezekiel did not run away. He muttered something and took his hand to the sword embedded in Charles¡¯ stomach. The bloody blade of the sword flashed and the corners of his mouth was raised in a twisted glee.


    Advance chapters are available now! Just click the link below to read advance and/or extra chapters! You can read advance chapters without even opening an account!

 CH 69

    As the storm that brought thunder and lightning drastically receded, the weather became clear as if it had never been stormed. Herace sat by her son¡¯s side in spite of the scorching morning sun.


    ¡°Erzen, aren¡¯t you cold? Your hands are cold¡­¡­.¡±


    Her face, holding Erzen¡¯s hand tightly, was full of smiles but looked somewhat unstable. As if she was a cracked glass, an ominous aura wandered around her.


    ¡°¡­¡­You must have been very tired. Such a good sleeper.¡±


    Herace, who was sweeping Erzen¡¯s face with her remaining hands, stopped near her son¡¯s nose. Then the hand awkwardly turned away and touched only his cheek. Maybe it¡¯s because of the sunlight. Erzen¡¯s cheeks were quite warm even though his body wasn¡¯t moving. But it was just a warmth that was not found in the body itself.


    ¡°But don¡¯t worry, Erzen. I¡¯ll be with you until you wake up. When my son wakes up, I¡¯ll ask him to kiss me.¡±


    Herace smiled softly, rubbing her son¡¯s dry lips with her fingers. The shy son was stingy with kisses first, but was always generous with her requests.


    Herace slowly closed her eyes, drawing in the soft touch of her son¡¯s lips. The soft wind tickled her hair and the warm sun warmed her body in a pleasant way. Herace smiled in a comfortable and happy mood.


    ¡°Madam¡­¡±


    But the peace in Herace didn¡¯t last long. Helen entered the room with a restless expression, and soon Ezekiel, and the old butler with a few maids came in.


    Herace opened her eyes and stood in front of the bed as people filled the room. Her face, hiding her son with her body, was full of vigilance.


    Ezekiel¡¯s hands trembled as he watched Herace. He bit his lips to the point of bleeding and gestured at the old butler. The old butler looked at Herace with a sad face, lowered his head, and ordered the maids.


    ¡°Take Young Master.¡±


    As the maids approached, Herace opened her arms wide. Her appearance was almost like a mother animal raising its fur to protect its young.


    The maids flinched at the venom in her blue eyes. They couldn¡¯t get closer to Erzen and took a long step forward after looking at each other. But as the maids approached, Herace screamed.


    ¡°Get back!¡±


    ¡°Madam¡­¡±


    ¡°I told you to back off! Don¡¯t come near me!¡±


    Herace knew. That they¡¯re trying to take Erzen away from her. The maids looked back at the old butler due to Herace¡¯s strong hostility. The old butler nodded with determination.


    When the maids tried to move again with unwilling faces, Ezekiel, who was watching the scene, moved. He stretched out his arms and grabbed Herace¡¯s waist as if to snatch her away. His face looking at Herace was distorted because the murderous intent she was emitting was no joke.


    ¡°Let go! Let me go!¡±


    Herace scratched his hands with her nails so she wouldn¡¯t be dragged away. But the man easily overpowered her, as always. Holding the small woman in his arms, he ordered the maids with his eyes.


    ¡°¡­¡­take him to the prepared destination.¡±


    ¡°Erzen!¡±


    The maids held Erzen wrapped with blankets. The helpless child¡¯s hands clattered. Herace screamed frantically as she looked at Erzen in their arms.


    ¡°Where are you taking Erzen? Erzen! Erzen!¡±


    The shrill scream was terrible, but no one frowned. In the room where only Herace cried, the maids except Helen got out of there with solemn faces. The old butler, who exchanged eyes with Ezekiel, followed them with trembling steps.


    ¡°Let go! Let go! Let go of me! Erzen!


    ¡°¡­¡­stand outside.¡±


    Ezekiel ordered Helen, who was left alone. Helen bowed her head and couldn¡¯t hold back her tears so she left the room with quick steps.


    ¡°Erzen! My son! Give me back my son! Give him back!¡±


    Herace screamed and screamed and screamed at the closed door. How can a small body have so much power? Ezekiel showed a miserable face seeing his wife¡¯s small body struggling continuously.


    ¡°Haah, ah¡­¡­¡±


    When Erzen did not return even after a long disturbance, Herace¡¯s whole body relaxed at some point. Ezekiel loosened his arm a little while holding his wife.


    ¡°Ez, Ezekiel!¡±


    Herace, who was panting and breathing heavily, looked at the door with blank eyes and suddenly looked up. She turned toward Ezekiel, who was holding her, and squeezed the hem of his clothes.


    ¡°I¡¯m, I¡¯m sorry. It¡¯s all right, I know I was wrong.¡±


    The hand holding the clothes fell off, as Herace¡¯s body fell down. Kneeling in front of Ezekiel, she began to beg with her hands held together.


    ¡°I¡¯ll, I¡¯ll act like the mistress you told me to. I¡¯ll do well. I can do really well.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll smile prettily like you said. I¡¯ll speak softly and obey whatever you say. I¡¯ll tremble if you¡¯re mad, and I¡¯ll climb on the bed when you tell me to.¡±


    With a desperate voice, Herace clung to him, lowering herself as much as she could, begging to Ezekiel like a god. Even though his body was shaking, he felt sorry for the eyes that looked up at him like a dog waiting for its owner.


    Ezekiel¡¯s hands were clenched tight by Herace¡¯s appearance. It was disastrous. No, he couldn¡¯t even describe it with the word disastrous. The happiness he ruined stabbed him every minute and every second. Ezekiel bent down and looked at Herace, barely holding back the urge to stab himself in the neck right away.


    ¡°¡­¡­Herace.¡±


    ¡°Oh! If you tell me not to leave the room, I won¡¯t leave. I won¡¯t move a step. I¡¯ll, I¡¯ll be as good as you want.¡­.¡±


    ¡°Herace.¡±


    ¡°¡­ No, no. If you tell me, tell me to wait three years.¡±


    ¡°Herace, please¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t do that. Erzen can¡¯t stand a day without me. He¡¯s still young, so if I¡¯m not around, he¡¯ll cry and fall asleep. I can¡¯t do that. He¡¯s such a soft child.¡±


    ¡°Herace!¡±


    Their eyes were leveled, but the gazes did not collide. Herace¡¯s eyes, trembling without focus, did not capture Ezekiel right in front of her. There was only one thing clearly embedded in her eyes. It was her son, Erzen.


    Ezekiel grabbed her shoulder and shook her fiercely. However, Herace firmly begged him, thinking only of her son.


    ¡°Oh, you told me you want to have children. You said you¡¯d return Erzen if I gave birth to your child. You promised me you¡¯d let me see my son.¡±


    ¡°Please¡­¡­Herace¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll do it. I¡¯ll have a baby right now. I promise, so bring Erzen. Ezekiel, I, I¡¯m gonna have a baby¡­¡­ Give me back my son. Put Erzen in my arms. Huh? Please¡­.¡±


    For her son, she was a woman who said firmly that she could not have children. But now she is crying, begging because she wanted to see her son,¡­¡­.


    Ezekiel looked at the hand that held him, saying she would have a child. Although she was speaking sweetly, everything that she was saying was not from her heart.


    He could no longer see his wife struggling to avoid despair. At this rate, he knew Herace would be ruined beyond his control. She would be desperate again and again while holding onto a child who had left this world. And in the end, she might also follow the child.


    ¡®¡­¡­that¡¯s the last thing I want to happen.¡¯


    Ezekiel¡¯s blood cooled just thinking that his wife would do that. He felt like his heart was being squeezed as if it would stop at any moment. Ezekiel firmly held on to Herace.


    ¡°Herace, if we leave him here, the child will¡­¡­ He won¡¯t be what you remember. I mean¡­¡­¡±


    The words that finally came out of his throat was swallowed. Unable to tell his wife that the child was dead, he choked up and tried to convey the word in a roundabout way, barely pressing the rising sadness. But suddenly, Herace raised her hand even before his words were finished.


    Slap!


    The face was filled with hate and tears. The focus was back in Herace¡¯s eyes. She stared straight at Ezekiel and muttered in a murderous voice.


    ¡°¡­¡­Are you going to take Erzen away from me with such words?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Give me back Erzen. Unlike the illegitimate child you carry around, my son is everything I have.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°He always cries without me! I¡¯m the only one he has¡­ he said I¡¯m the only one he needs!¡±


    The loud voice ended in a scream. Herace¡¯s chest went up and down roughly. She threw away her servile begging position and grabbed Ezekiel by the collar with both hands. The fingers on the collar showed a pale light as if they would disappear at any moment.


    ¡°Me too! All I need is my son! So bring Erzen back! Now!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Erzen! Give me back my son! Give me back¡­¡­ Hah!¡±


    As the scream was about to repeat again, Herace¡¯s face turned pale. Ezekiel held Herace in his arms as she couldn¡¯t breathe properly.


    ¡°Herace?¡±


    ¡°Hah¡­ Ehh, uh¡­¡­ Ugh.¡±


    ¡°Herace! Wake up! Herace!¡±


    The door opened roughly and Helen came in. Ezekiel shouted while Herace was struggling to breathe.


    ¡°Doctor! Bring him in! Now!¡±


    Chaotic footsteps were heard everywhere. Herace only looked at the ceiling, not caring about the hand that shook her. Somewhere in the room, she could hear the laughter of Erzen. The eyes for the child shook aimlessly.


    ¡®Erzen, my son. Where are you?¡¯


    In the eyes of Herace, despair filled. Her son is nowhere to be found. Just before letting go of her broken mind, tears fell from Herace¡¯s eyes.


    ***


    On one side of the sanctuary was a special space. Where it¡¯s cool all year round and snow and ice don¡¯t melt.


    There were several large rectangular blocks of ice there. A place where the body is kept clean without decay until the funeral when a direct member of the Duke of Serpence dies. The servants commonly called the cold room a ¡®morgue¡¯.


    ¡°Your Excellency.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve been here for a long time.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°If you stay longer, you may get sick.¡±


    Ezekiel was standing in front of the third row of the ten blocks of ice in the room. Erzen was on the ice that was so cold that a cool chill could be felt in the air.


    ¡°Get out.¡±


    Ezekiel said without looking at Edgar. His eyes were fixed on Erzen and did not move. Edgar tried to say something, but closed his mouth at Ezekiel¡¯s expression and turned around.

 CH 70

    Click.


    As soon as the door closed, the expression on Ezekiel¡¯s face collapsed. He couldn¡¯t let others or Herace see his vulnerable side, but he couldn¡¯t bear it. His body trembled as he looked at the blocks of ice.


    ¡°Are you my dad?¡±


    Ezekiel never thought of the child as his own. But he never wanted the child to be here, breathless, just because he dislikes him. It wasn¡¯t on this block of ice where the child was supposed to be. He should be running on a green lawn, sleeping on a fluffy bed, walking on a soft carpet¡­¡­. These were the things that matched the child well.


    Ezekiel, who sat down on his knee, made a strange sound. A low, ringing sound came squeezing out of his throat.


    ¡°Come on, what¡¯s the use of regretting now?¡±


    It was when Ezekiel was about to offer his own condolences, which no one would see, the voice of a child rang out from somewhere in the enclosed place.


    Small shoes stepped in front of the sight of the kneeling man, and the snowflake that was stepped on split in half and rolled on the floor. Ezekiel, who recognized the owner of the voice, reached out without hesitation.


    Bang!


    A small body was pushed over the ice right next to Erzen¡¯s coffin. The sound was quite strong and loud, but the child lying on the ice only smiled. Then he began to laugh at Ezekiel¡¯s face, which was full of anguish.


    ¡°Because of you, I felt the pain of breaking my bones and my blood bursting from every pore, but why are you the one in this state?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­die.¡±


    Ezekiel drew the sword. The long sword moved forward, and in an instant, the blade was stabbed downward. The sword cut through ¡®It¡¯s mouth and even broke the thick ice into several fragments. Along with a loud noise, ice cubes broke into small pieces in an instant.


    ¡°I like it. It¡¯s so much fun to see your face like that.¡±


    Between the chunks of ice, the face that had been stabbed with a sword melted down into a black liquid. The black liquid, which seemed to be firmly embedded by the sword, separated itself from the blade as if melting, and it regained its face instantaneously.


    ¡°I guess your memory hasn¡¯t recovered, right? But seeing you tried to kill me¡­¡­or is it because you feel sorry for killing the brother you would always be compared to?¡±


    Ezekiel, who again picked up the sword, paused for a moment. His face reflected on the blade of the sword was distorted with guilt. But ¡®It¡¯ only opened its eyes wide and watched Ezekiel.


    ¡°Poor Charles¡­¡­. Ezekiel, not only you¡¯ve killed him so brutally, you didn¡¯t even recover his remains.¡±


    Charles¡¯ body was left on the bottom of the cliff that day, mixed with a group of barbarians who died. Ezekiel, who was attacked but survived, called Herace¡¯s name and drove his horse in a state of insanity. Charles¡¯ body must have disappeared by now, buried deep in the snow, since Ezekiel has even lost his memory of his half-brother¡¯s death.


    Ezekiel¡¯s hand holding the sword trembled with contempt for himself. But he soon raised the sword once again with his teeth clenched.


    ¡®It¡¯ smiled and rolled over to avoid the blade. The sword lost its target and hit the stone floor. The sword in Ezekiel¡¯s hand touched the ground and made a sharp sound.


    ¡°Come to think of it, here is another person who died because of you.¡±


    ¡®It¡¯ rolled up to Erzen¡¯s coffin. Stroking the child¡¯s black hair who had his eyes closed, and lamented in a sad voice.


    ¡°Erzen, my poor brother. He died even before he could grow up properly. Such a cute and lovely kid. Ezekiel, he was the child who meant the whole world to her.¡±


    Ezekiel, who could not bear to wield the sword, stared at Erzen. ¡®It¡¯ kept stroking Erzen¡¯s hair, despite Ezekiel¡¯s deathly glare. Unlike the soft touch, its eyes looking down at the child were numb and emotionless.


    ¡°But you are doing better than I thought. I thought you would make a disturbance like when you killed your brother last time.¡±


    ¡°Get your hands off him.¡±


    ¡°Is it because he¡¯s not your child? Your wife is about to go crazy but you¡¯re completely fine with him dead? Only because he¡¯s your brother¡¯s child?¡±


    ¡®It¡¯ touched Ezekiel¡¯s bottomless guilt, riling it up like a twisted vortex. Every word stabbed Ezekiel¡¯s consciousness. His eyes trembled mercilessly at the mention of his sin strucking his ears.


    Unlike Ezekiel¡¯s face, which crumpled with anguish, ¡®It¡¯ had a face full of joy. ¡®It¡¯ moved and stood next to Erzen this time. A small hand crawled near Erzen¡¯s chest, who was wearing a white suit, and slightly raised the clothes.


    ¡®It¡¯ stared at something on the white skin and turned his head toward Ezekiel. The golden eyes similar to Ezekiel narrowed thinly.


    ¡°It must be because of this. But what about this, Father? Erzen, this child¡­¡­.¡±


    A wicked smile bloomed on ¡®It¡¯s face that sent a chill down Ezekiel¡¯s spine to the sole of his feet. In a voice full of joy as if ¡®It¡¯ had put a lifelong enemy in the quagmire of hell, ¡®It¡¯ said.


    ¡°¡­¡­He has the same father as me, literally.¡±


    Thud.


    Ezekiel¡¯s heart dropped at the face of the truth that he believed to be false without a single doubt.


    ¡°What?¡±


    He thought he couldn¡¯t open his mouth, but the question came out reflexively. Ezekiel stood there and hardened like a statue.


    ¡°It¡¯s cruel. Father doesn¡¯t even recognize him as his blood.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­Explain clearly.¡±


    It was not a loud voice, but there was a slight tremor in his order. Before he knew it, his emotions flowed out at the words.


    ¡®It¡¯ pulled up Erzen¡¯s clothes and straightened out the wrinkles. After placing Erzen¡¯s hand slightly on his side, ¡®It¡¯ gently stroked his head again and said.


    ¡°The day Erzen was born, you were sure when you saw the birthmark on him that he¡¯s not your child, right?¡±


    Ezekiel hardened his face. It was true. He changed his doubts to conviction when he saw the red dot on Erzen¡¯s side. The unique shape was the only flaw on the skin. He doesn¡¯t have it, neither does his  Father. It was a characteristic that belonged solely to his dead brother¡­¡­.


    ¡°Why did you think that the child was your brother¡¯s? Just because you saw him hugging Herace, you began to doubt her? But what if your brother wasn¡¯t the only one who had the birthmark? What if your father had it too? What do you think?¡±


    ¡°Lie! He didn¡¯t have it. I saw it with my own eyes. My father¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Just because you didn¡¯t see it doesn¡¯t mean it wasn¡¯t there. I saw it.¡±


    Ezekiel¡¯s words were cut off. The mocking tone did not match the innocent child¡¯s face. When Ezekiel finally looked at him with a disbelieving face, ¡®It¡¯ sighed deeply and said in an exaggerated voice as if he were reading a fairy tale book with his arms folded.


    ¡°It was before you were born. It was very snowy that day, wasn¡¯t it? Your father was crawling through the snow, barely surviving the wolves that were about to bite him off. I wish he had died like that but..¡­.¡±


    A strange light flashed in the golden pupils. ¡®It¡¯ was silent for a very short time, but soon,¡¯It¡¯ narrowed its eyes, blurring the end of the sentence.


    ¡°¡­¡­He was lucky. He met your mother, Medea. Your mother breathed life in your father and wiped his blood. She, who had never held a needle before, sewed all the wounds of the man carefully. But that day part of your father disappeared forever into the wolf¡¯s belly*.¡±


    [T/N: This sentence is a bit tricky. I believe the author meant that the place where the birthmark was must be bitten off by the wolves. That¡¯s why Ezekiel never knew his father also had a birthmark similar to his brother.]


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°When your mother cured your father without leaving a trace, I thought it was unnecessary¡­. but I didn¡¯t even know that it would lead to this situation.¡±


    Ezekiel¡¯s hands lost their strength. The sword fell to the floor with a shrill sound.


    ¡®It¡¯ stroked Erzen¡¯s head. His black hair resembling Herace looked as soft as when he was alive.


    ¡°Majority of the children of Serpence had been born with the birthmark. It¡¯s a characteristic of Serpence¡¯s children, like your brother¡¯s blonde hair or your golden eyes. If you were born with it, then you would have been praised for having the characteristics of the child of Serpence. Because to humans, lineage is important.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°But unfortunately you weren¡¯t. It¡¯s a matter of course. Just looking at the previous dukes¡­¡­ Your grandfather and his father didn¡¯t have the same appearance, but at least they were born with the birthmark. But you were different. Maybe because you only inherited about half of these Serpence¡¯s blood?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s very selfish to have a mistress. It¡¯s rare for the relationship between father and son to be that bad like your father and brother just because he wasn¡¯t the son of the woman he loved. But what¡¯s certain is that most of your ancestors didn¡¯t regard it as important as being selfish. It wasn¡¯t like they were sinning. They were playing around with a lover or mistress in bed.¡±


    Ezekiel¡¯s eyes darkened, and in his ears came the crack of the ice that he heard on the cliff that day. Ezekiel breathed heavily. He felt so dizzy that he couldn¡¯t think properly.


    ¡°By the way, Ezekiel, you were convinced of your wife¡¯s adultery that none of your ancestors cared about¡­¡­ You used it as an excuse to insult and abuse her. In addition, without even recognizing her child as your own, you justified your hatred by separating the child from his mother.¡±


    When ¡®It¡¯ saw Ezekiel struggling, ¡®It¡¯ smiled and continued. ¡®It¡¯ was so outspoken as if it was going to end it altogether.


    ¡°The perpetrator pretended to be a victim and wanted revenge. What a joke. If you had thought about it a little bit and investigated it, you would have known how sloppy your excuses were to cover your eyes¡­¡­.¡±


    Ezekiel couldn¡¯t stand it and collapsed on the ground. The image he never wanted to lose was now collapsing. He wanted to believe that the monster was lying, but he could tell it instinctively. That monster was brutally telling the truth.


    ¡®It¡¯ removed its hand from Erzen¡¯s head. Then it approached Ezekiel and asked him.


    ¡°Why do you have that face? Do you realise now it¡¯s your child? Do you regret it? Because you didn¡¯t want to lose your wife to a child? Because you were jealous like a sour and inferior father?¡±


    Ezekiel lowered his head and covered his face with his palm. So his expression could not have been seen. But ¡®It¡¯ showed a relaxed attitude as if it knew Ezekiel¡¯s face. His face was filled with guilt, his eyes bloodshot.


    ¡°You seem to think I¡¯ve tricked you, but it¡¯s no use to blame me. I¡¯ve never lied once. Did I ever tell you that Erzen isn¡¯t your child?¡±


    ¡°You¡­ I¡¯m sure you were¡­¡­.¡±


    A voice that gnawed at itself in the ear countless times. The sound that broke his hazy mind. The voice ignited doubt and eventually convinced him.


    ¡°I¡¯ve always asked you. You¡¯re the one who gave the answer.¡±


    However, even if he tried to think it was unfair, he couldn¡¯t bear to accept it. That thing was right. It was he who twisted her desire to live and put her in despair, and it was also him who put the child on that cold ice.


    T/N: April is ending! Your extra chapters are waiting for you! You can also read advance chapters for free! Just click the link below and be a member to read advance chapters for free!

 CH 71

    Something hot fell into the kneeling man¡¯s hand, but it quickly cooled down due to the cold air in the room. ¡®It¡¯ stood before Ezekiel and pointed one finger after another between his eyes and then his chest.


    ¡°In the first place, your here, and here is the problem. You only saw what you wanted to see and believed what you wanted to believe. You didn¡¯t care about anything else because you were floundering in your emotions.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°If you trusted your wife without doubt¡­¡­ If only you would have believed her when she¡¯d cried and told you the truth over and over again that she was innocent and erased those low, dirty feelings and nodded once¡­¡­ If you had listened to her voice that said I love you rather than the voice that said you¡¯re disgusting¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Shut up.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­Your family of three must have been laughing and enjoying a pleasant evening out by now. Ezekiel, do you want me to tell you the future you¡¯ve ruined?¡±


    ¡°Shut up! Shut up!¡±


    Ezekiel jumped up shouting and waved his hand. He stumbled, but it was quite a fierce and fast movement. But ¡®It¡¯ continued, avoiding Ezekiel¡¯s fist.


    ¡°If it weren¡¯t for your stupid doubts and nonsense, Erzen would have followed you by calling you Father. Eating at one table, sleeping in one bed¡­¡­. You must have been a bit upset that you lost your wife¡¯s attention and all was poured on Erzen, but it would have been nothing compared to now. Because you would have been happy then. Because Erzen is a lovely child who looks just like your wife.¡±


    He didn¡¯t want to hear it, but its voice was clearer than ever. Ezekiel closed his ears.


    ¡°When Erzen grows up and calls you his father¡­¡­ You would have had a little fight with your wife about your child but immediately made up. By then, you may have had more children. For example, a daughter who looks like you¡­¡­. And then when Erzen grows up to be about your age and all the other kids grow up, you and your wife would have had a lot of time alone¡­¡­.¡±


    Erzen¡¯s bright and cheerful laughter seemed to hit Ezekiel¡¯s ears and hammered his head. It was drawn over and over and over again, even if he didn¡¯t want to imagine it, the future that he had ruined was displayed vividly in front of his eyes.


    ¡°¡­¡­Your wife would have whispered without hesitation even when she was old. ¡®I love you. I was happy to have you.¡¯¡­ ¡­because she¡¯s a sweet, honest woman you¡¯ve ruined. I¡¯m sure I¡¯ve said that many times.¡±


    How beautiful Herace was whispering to him that she loves him. Ezekiel groaned in terrible pain, but he could not take his eyes off his wife¡¯s sweet blue eyes.


    ¡°I love you, Ezekiel.¡±


    Herace¡¯s figure was approaching as if it was right in front of him. Ezekiel unwittingly released his hand from his face and reached out to the figure glimmering in his vision.


    However, as soon as his hand reached, the figure of his wife collapsed like sand and scattered like fog. Ezekiel fell on both knees as he struggled to catch it like a madman.


    ¡°But now it¡¯s impossible. I can¡¯t believe you¡¯ve ruined the future that you wanted the most¡­¡­ It¡¯s a pity just to see you like this.¡±


    At the same time as its derision filled the narrow space, Ezekiel made a grotesque cry as if he was being scratched by hot iron. Tears were falling from his eyes.


    ¡°¡­¡­why me.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Why did you get attached to me! Why! Why!¡±


    Ezekiel, who had shed tears for a long time, shook ¡®It¡¯ by the shoulder and shouted. The small body dangled back and forth under the power of the man.


    ¡°Why are you doing this to me! What did I do to you¡­ what the hell did I do to you¡­¡­.¡±


    It was the least effort Ezekiel could make.


    It was difficult for him to admit. The fact that he had ruined everything with his own hands. He had to blame anyone. Otherwise it would be hard for him to stay sane.


    ¡°Don¡¯t blame me.¡±


    ¡®It¡¯ whispered coldly as it looked at the crying man. The yellow pupils, which did not shake even in the rough movement, changed from a pair to two. Four eyes looked down at Ezekiel.


    ¡°Ezekiel, it was you who summoned me. ¡®I want to have Herace. I want to take possession of her, who could be happy with Charles¡¯.¡±


    Ezekiel hardened at the figure in its eyes.


    He remembered the first time he had heard its voice. A tree that was like a falling shower of red leaves, under which she was about to marry his half-brother¡­¡­.


    ¡°With a low inferiority complex and dirty jealousy, you constantly whispered to me to help you. You needed my help. You said to me, ¡®Please remove her from my brother¡¯s side and make her stand beside you¡¯.¡±


    ¡­¡­He hated them and cursed endlessly. May they not be happy. He eagerly looked forward to being the only one to stand by her.


    ¡°I only helped you, the child of Medea, my sister*, and you, who became my father, and are closest to me.¡±


    [T/N: Not sure why the ¡®It¡¯ said that. More information may be released in future chapters.]


    The voice asking for help was quieted. As if ¡®It¡¯ wanted him to be mute.


    ¡°You started everything. You chose it. So don¡¯t blame me. You are to blame for this result, you¡¯ve broken her, and killed the child.¡±


    The sin that had been buried so far began to eat him. Ezekiel knelt down and bowed his head. He was so ashamed of himself that he didn¡¯t want to see his face or hear anything.


    ***


    ¡°Erzen!¡±


    Herace reached out with a scream. However, what caught her hand was an empty space and a terribly familiar landscape. Herace looked around the room aimlessly with trembling eyes and buried her face in both hands.


    Tears soaked her palms. She wanted to get out of the misery, but reality has been attacking her more and more clearly. With a horribly distinct spirit, Herace wiped away her tears and shook her head roughly.


    ¡°No, Erzen is¡­¡­ Erzen is not dead. My son is only apart. He (Ezekiel) just took him away.¡±


    As she tried to deny reality, her mind went blank, just like her blurred vision. Herace nodded to herself as if she was sure of her evaluation. Hot tears flowed silently through the forced laughter.


    ¡°He told me that he¡¯d send Erzen to the South. Erzen must be doing well under warm weather by now. I¡¯ll see him in 15 years, so if I wait until then¡­¡­.¡±


    Her heart tightened when she drew the face of Erzen, who would have headed far to the South. Herace comforted herself, saying it was because the parting was too much for her. The hand clutching her chest was full of strength.


    ¡°Mom.¡±


    But then she heard Erzen¡¯s voice right next to her. Herace, who was shedding tears with her head down, looked up with hopeful eyes.


    ¡°Erzen!¡±


    There was definitely a sound, but no one was next to her. Herace pulled out the blanket and hurried down the bed and paced around the room. Her urgent gesture of examining the room rattled some objects and they crashed to the floor.


    A bottle of glass fell off the dressing table. The clanging sound was quite sharp, but the maid, who fell asleep in a chair in the corner of the room, did not open her eyes. The lifelessness sat on the face of the maid, who fell into the water without even breathing.


    Squeak.


    The silent door opened with a creepy sound and two small fingers poked out. As Herace turned to the door at the abrupt sound, the child suddenly passed through the gap. With the same black hair as the child, Herace ran to the door without hesitation.


    ¡°What, Erzen? Are you Erzen?¡±


    White bare feet touched the cold hallway floor. The child fled all the way to the end of the corridor. Herace began to run with joy.


    The body of the child, which was incomparably small, was as light and swift as a rabbit. Herace couldn¡¯t catch up with her son, but even so, she was happy. Erzen was before her eyes. He was alive and well, which gave her hope.


    ¡°Erzen! My baby¡­¡­.¡±


    Herace passed through the hallway and reached the stairs. Erzen went down the stairs with a bouncy gesture. Herace followed him, looking at her son through a gap in the railing.


    ¡°Erzen? Where are you? Mom¡¯s here. Where are you? Erzen!¡±


    She turned the corner, but Erzen was gone. Herace looked around for her son. The appearance of stumbling on the stairs was unstable.


    Herace, who was frantically searching for her son, stopped at the touch of something wetting her toes and looked down. Some black liquid was procrastinating and devouring her feet. Surprised, Herace quickly pulled back.


    The black liquid disappeared with a blink. Herace hesitated at the sensation of her back chilling, and when she realized where she was located, she looked surprised.


    ¡°Oh¡­.¡±


    The place where Harace stood now was where Charlotte died, and where Erzen fell.


    Herace was not in the hall when Charlotte pushed Erzen down the stairs. But the moment she saw her son, strangely, the situation at that time was clearly depicted in front of her. As if she had witnessed it in person.


    Herace absent-mindedly looked at the floor. The polished floor was clean as if nothing had happened.


    She raised her head again, and her gaze slowly stared straight ahead. The blue eyes passed dozens of stairs and stayed where Ezekiel held Erzen. Just below the stairs, the child was held by the man quietly, without any movement.


    ¡°Erzen¡­.¡±


    Herace remembered her son¡¯s face with his eyes closed. The reality that she had been trying to erase came to her strongly.


    Herace moved her steps and slipped her foot half over the stairs. And lastly, she looked back just in case.


    There was no one in the dark space except her. Harace, who looked forward again, leaned forward without any hesitation.


    A delicate woman fell from a dizzyingly high staircase. The steps, which had been under her feet until a while ago, were moved away by a single blink. Herace closed her eyes with a smile. Erzen was smiling at her through the dark view.


    Thud!


    It was quick, but a dizzying shock hit her head. Herace relaxed at the distancing consciousness. The slithering eyes and the raised corners of her mouth looked full of peace.


    When red blood shone behind the black hair, something like a snake crept out of the shadow right next to the stairs and turned into the shape of a child.


    Miguel bent one knee beside Herace and took the red blood with his finger and took it to his mouth. Then he murmured in a stern voice with his mouth hardened.


    ¡°You can¡¯t do this.¡±


    The child bit his finger and took it to Herace¡¯s mouth. Instead of red blood, a black liquid wriggled and squeezed in between Herace¡¯s lips.


    The child, who watched blood going down her throat, bowed his head and kissed Herace¡¯s forehead. Then he murmured in a disapproving voice.


    ¡°If you die, Father¡¯s reaction will be worth seeing, but¡­¡­ I don¡¯t like this.¡±


    Her face contorted in confusion before her eyes closed. The child stared at Herace and reached out again. But before he could reach Herace, commotion began from above.


    ¡°Madam! Where are you! Madam!¡±


    In the distance, he could hear the voice of a maid looking for Herace, and the sound of several steps rang through the castle. Looking up, ¡®It¡¯ stood up with a cool face. Then ¡®It¡¯ hid again in the dark shadow.

 CH 72

    Ezekiel looked at the acrid smoke and rubbed out the shortened cigar with his hand. He smoked too many cigars, but he couldn¡¯t stay in his right mind.


    He couldn¡¯t figure out where to start and what to do. No, he couldn¡¯t handle the situation he created.


    Charles, Herace, and Erzen. The faces of the three people kept hovering before his eyes. He committed an unforgivable sin. It was not possible to turn back time or make amends. Ezekiel was most afraid of it.


    ¡°Herace¡­¡±


    Ezekiel kept spouting his wife¡¯s name out of fear that was tightening him every moment. It was an insult to his wife to even dare to call her name, but he couldn¡¯t stand the current situation without that name.


    ¡°Herace¡­¡±


    He didn¡¯t even cry now. If he thought of his dead brother and Erzen, he could hold his head and cry until his life is over, but his hateful tear glands have dried up.


    Instead, invisible tears of blood kept wetting his feet. Yeah, just like his sin.


    ¡°Herace¡­¡±


    He thought he deserved to die, but Ezekiel couldn¡¯t die. No, no matter how painful it was, he didn¡¯t mean to die.


    Herace is the only one he is left with. He couldn¡¯t let go of his wife, maybe forever, but¡­¡­ Nevertheless, he didn¡¯t even think about leaving his wife behind.


    ¡°Herace¡­ Where do I start to tell you¡­¡­.¡±


    Therefore, Ezekiel was in a big crisis. Where should he start to apologize and confess his sins in order to atone for his mistake and stay by Herace¡¯s side and live by protecting her?


    ¡°¡­¡­should I beg for your forgiveness?¡±


    In fact, he wanted to cover up everything. He wanted to cover up all the things he had done for ruining Charles and her happiness, for suspecting her adultery with stupidity, and for causing the death of his brother and son.


    He wanted to cover his wife¡¯s eyes even if it would make him struggle alone. He knew he shouldn¡¯t, but he didn¡¯t, couldn¡¯t dare to confess his guilt. Herace was still someone who couldn¡¯t forgive him. And if she knows all this happened because of him, she would¡­¡­.


    ¡°I can¡¯t.¡±


    Ezekiel shook his head strongly.


    If he confessed the truth, he wished his wife would rather blame him and say she would kill him with a sword and cut his limbs, and said she would put a sword in his heart, he would give it up and be at her mercy.


    But Herace, whom he knew well, was not the one to do so. His wife would not kill him or cut off his limbs. She¡¯ll just quietly look at him, and somehow erase him from her memory.


    ¡°¡­¡­I can¡¯t stand that, Herace.¡±


    Ezekiel remembered the Marquis of Devone. Herace showed little sadness at the death of her father, the Marquis of Devone. To her, the Marquis of Devone seemed like a non-existent person.


    Herace was fundamentally a warm and benevolent person, but she can completely erase the unforgivable person from her head. By any means.


    ¡°So I can¡¯t tell you.¡±


    Ezekiel could have died at her hands, but he could not be forgotten by her. Just imagining her forgetting him left a burning sensation not only in his body but also in his soul.


    Ezekiel, who had his lips pursed, trembled and reached for the cigar box. However, the severely shaken finger could not even easily catch something. Ezekiel had to wring his hand four times before he was able to grasp the cigar.


    It was when Ezekiel was about to light a fire with empty eyes. He heard someone running in a hurry and knocking on the door.


    Knock, knock.


    The door opened before the permission could fall. Behind the acrid smoke of Ezekiel, the old butler showed a pale face. He flinched for a moment at the sight of Ezekiel, who looked haggard, but revealed the purpose of entering his master¡¯s room without proper courtesy.


    ¡°Madam. ¡­. Madam collapsed.¡±


    Even before the old butler¡¯s words were over, the cigar, which had just begun to burn, was thrown to the floor. Ezekiel ran even though his eyes were dizzy. His cigar burned and blackened some of the soft rugs.


    ***


    Herace with the bandage on her head remained motionless. Like the child on ice.


    As Herace¡¯s pale face came into view, Ezekiel¡¯s face turned white as opposed to his burning heart. He knelt on the floor, not daring to sit on the bed or chair, and took his wife¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Herace¡­¡±


    Even Herace¡¯s arm trembled slightly at the shaking of his hand. Ezekiel rubbed his cheek against his wife¡¯s hand, pleading, with his head down as if he were a sinner.


    ¡°Why did you¡­. I¡¯m the one who¡¯s supposed to be like this, but why are you¡­¡­.¡±


    He didn¡¯t even dare to apologize. Now even his wife was dying because of his stupid self. Ezekiel shed tears in that posture next to his terribly thin wife.


    Three days and a few hours have passed like that. Herace finally opened her eyes at the height of dawn after night. The empty blue eyes rolled aside, and identified the man, who was as stiff as a stone statue, and called him.


    ¡°Ezekiel.¡±


    ¡°Herace?¡±


    Ezekiel had his head bowed like a death row waiting for his turn. But he raised his head immediately at the call of Herace. Without even being able to speak, he clasped Herace¡¯s hand tightly and raised himself to call the doctor. But Herace shook her head slightly. Then she opened her mouth with her dry lips.


    ¡°¡­what about her?¡±


    Ezekiel understood who Herace was talking about at once and hardened his face. Charlotte, she meant the woman who vomited black blood and died.


    When he thought of Charlotte, his teeth clenched. At the same time, hatred for himself, who couldn¡¯t really kill the woman, or bring her justice in the first place, was raging all over.


    ¡°The woman you brought, the woman who killed Erzen. What did you do with her?¡±


    When Ezekiel did not answer right away, Herace urged. Ezekiel came to his senses at his wife¡¯s urging, and looked cold. His wife already knew that the woman died. It was hard to tell her the truth. So what she¡¯s asking is¡­¡­.


    ¡°I threw her away.¡±


    It was a cold voice with no sympathy. Herace blinked and slightly turned her head toward Ezekiel. Then he continued as if he were chewing every word.


    ¡°I sank her in the Carbes. She won¡¯t be able to find rest anywhere because she couldn¡¯t even close her eyes.¡±


    Carbes is a generic term for rotten swamps, and was the most shunned place in Anais. Due to the nature of the place where the body of the beast and the stagnant water rot together, it was natural that it was not welcomed by anyone. In particular, the Anais almost morbidly stayed away from Carbes. And in it, a myth that passed down from ancient times was the most feared.


    ¡°Your decapitated body will sink into the Carbes with your eyes open. May you never be forgiven by God.¡±


    ¡°Please¡­ have mercy. Not that¡­¡±


    ¡°Two men, six women and four children died in your hands. How can you hope for mercy on the subject!¡±


    There has long been a widespread saying in Anais that if a person is sunk in the Carbes alive with a decapitated body, they will not be saved even if they die. For this reason, usually, rebels such as condemned prisoners like Marquis Pegato were executed and then dumped there with their eyelids attached to themselves.


    It is a kind of punishment that has earned even the last mercy, not to be rescued even after death. Those who are soft-hearted dare not even say the word Carbes.


    ¡°¡­¡­Then she must be in a terrible situation now. What a pity.¡±


    Unlike the words, there was no sympathy in Herace¡¯s voice. Her gaze was directed into the air behind Ezekiel before slowly moving back at him. For a very short time, resentment and hatred were the only thing shimmering on the blue orbs.


    ¡°But why are you here? If she sank into the Carbes, so should you.¡±


    Ezekiel heard Herace¡¯s words and pursed his lips.


    Herace was right. Charlotte, if she had been abandoned in Carbes, he should have been there too. Erzen¡¯s death¡­¡­ No, everything that has happened so far was his fault. His inferiority complex has distorted everything.


    ¡°When Erzen was in danger the other day, you only expelled her. She did a crime but¡­¡­ You let her live. It must have been because she was the woman you loved.¡±


    Ezekiel clenched his fist at Herace¡¯s misunderstanding. His wife was under the illusion that he saved Charlotte¡¯s life because he loved her. Ezekiel, who could not resist, opened his mouth to explain.


    ¡°Herace, you may not believe it, but¡­¡­ I never cared or loved her for a second. The reason I expelled her¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Whatever the reason, it was you who brought her here in the first place. Therefore, you killed Erzen.¡±


    Herace cut off his words in the middle. What¡¯s the point of hearing the explanation? Erzen is already¡­¡­.


    Herace pulled her hand out from Ezekiel¡¯s grasp. Unlike the hands that the man did not hold, the warmth of the warm hands was heterogeneous.


    ¡°It¡¯s the same for me, too. Erzen¡­ my son¡­¡­ Because I couldn¡¯t protect him.¡±


    Herace burst into disheartened laughter. Tears streamed down her eyes before she knew it.


    Is it because the blood was finally flowing in her head? Her mind was clearer than ever. At the same time as it had recognized that her son had died, her existence felt disgusting and unbearable. Herace took her hands near her neck.


    ¡°If she is punished for rotting on the Carbes without rest, so should I. I must sink in rotten water, too.¡±


    The urge to strangle herself was infested. If she lay down under the swamp with her breathing hole closed and her eyes open, will she be able to escape this pain of gnawing her heart alive? The force of the overlapping the neck was applied.


    ¡°Herace!¡±


    Ezekiel reached out and ripped off Herace¡¯s hand. Herace struggled and resisted, but could not overcome the power of the man.


    When Ezekiel finally managed to hold both of her hands, Herace relaxed at some point. The amber pupils looking down at her were shaking relentlessly.